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Abusive Heckling Prompts Crackdown at Bethpage as McIlroy, Lowry Clinch Point

Organizers boosted security, posting a zero-tolerance etiquette policy after personal insults disrupted play.

Overview

  • Spectators directed personal taunts at Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, including jibes about McIlroy’s marriage and Lowry’s weight.
  • McIlroy and Lowry sought intervention from officials, and Lowry had a heckler removed as police and security were stepped up inside the ropes.
  • The PGA posted spectator-etiquette messages on videoboards outlining zero tolerance for discrimination, hate speech or harassment.
  • Opponents Justin Thomas and Cameron Young repeatedly signaled for quiet, with police pausing play at times to calm unruly sections.
  • McIlroy and Lowry won their four-ball 1 up over Thomas and Young to help Europe stretch its lead to 11½–4½, with McIlroy calling the day “really challenging.”