Rory McIlroy shouted an expletive at a heckler who yelled "USA" during the 16th hole in the final round of the US PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club on May 17 [1, 2, 3]. The incident happened as McIlroy attempted a 37-yard shot from heavy rough on the par-5 16th hole, which rebounded into a greenside bunker [1, 2, 3, 3].
After the heckler shouted, McIlroy told the fan to "shut up" using an expletive and appeared to point him out to security for removal [1, 2, 3]. The tension followed earlier instances of hostile fan behavior toward McIlroy during the 2025 Ryder Cup in the U.S., including abuse and an incident where McIlroy's wife was hit by a thrown beer [1, 2, 3].
Aaron Rai of England won the US PGA Championship, finishing five strokes ahead of McIlroy [1, 3]. McIlroy ended the tournament tied for seventh place with a score of four under par, earning $637,050 [1, 2, 3]. Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy cited missed chances, saying, "I think not birdieing the two par-fives and making the bogey at the drivable par-four 13th. To me, I felt like I played the golf I needed to play the rest of the way. If I birdied the two par-fives and turned that five into a three on 13, the day looks very different" [2].
Prior to this event, McIlroy had won his second consecutive Masters tournament and sixth major overall [1, 2, 3]. He will next compete at the PGA Tour Memorial tournament in about three weeks, followed by the US Open at Shinnecock two weeks after that [1].
