McIlroy urges better crowd conduct as Azinger cites double standard

Rory McIlroy’s calls for better spectator conduct at the Ryder Cup in New York have drawn public criticism from former U.S. captain Paul Azinger, who accused the Northern Irishman of a double standard after heated exchanges between McIlroy and spectators at Bethpage Black last weekend. The controversy followed Europe’s 15 to 13 victory over the United States on Sunday, the continent’s first away win in the event since 2012.

McIlroy, 36, who contributed 3.5 points from five matches, used his post-match news conference to denounce the crowd’s behaviour, saying, "I don't think we should ever accept that in golf." He described several incidents over the week as unacceptable, pointing to taunts aimed at players and an episode in which his wife, Erica Stoll, was struck by a thrown drink. McIlroy said such conduct undermines the sport’s lessons in etiquette and respect and pledged that European fans would be advised to act differently when the Ryder Cup returns to Ireland in 2027 at Adare Manor.

Azinger, who captained the United States to victory in 2008, responded to McIlroy’s remarks on a televised golf broadcast, arguing the player could not condemn crowd behaviour while also...