Golf star Rory McIlroy celebrated his Ryder Cup victory with his wife, Erica Stoll, but also condemned a fan who threw a beer can at her during the tournament in New York.
The incident happened at the Bethpage Black Golf Course in Old Bethpage over the weekend, where McIlroy was competing for Team Europe.
Stoll, 38, was walking behind McIlroy toward the 17th hole on Saturday when a beer can appeared to be thrown in her direction. She turned around in shock as security restrained McIlroy from confronting the crowd.
Despite the ugly moment, McIlroy later praised his wife for handling the situation with calm.
“Erica is fine. She’s a very, very strong woman,” McIlroy told reporters on Sunday. “She handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we’re going to have a good time celebrating tonight.”
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The golfer said he was disturbed by the behavior of some fans, describing it as unacceptable.
“I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf,” he said. “Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week. Golf has the ability to unite people and teaches very good life lessons.”
McIlroy, 36, also shared a celebratory kiss with Stoll after securing the win, telling her, “What a year,” as they embraced.
The couple has been in the spotlight recently after McIlroy briefly filed for divorce in May 2024 before reconciling with Stoll a month later. They share a five-year-old daughter, Poppy.
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