Why Rory McIlroy had tense exchange with fan after ‘USA’ chant at PGA Championship originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Rory McIlroy performed well at the PGA Championship, finishing two shots off of second place, but it wasn’t the weekend he wanted after a second consecutive Masters victory.
As it became apparent a win wasn’t in the cards on Sunday, McIlroy started to hear it from fans — and at one point, he gave it right back.
CBS cameras captured a tense exchange between McIlroy and a fan late in Sunday’s final round at Aronimink, just as it started to look like Aaron Rai’s tournament to lose.
Here’s a look at the exchange between McIlroy and a fan at the PGA Championship.
MORE AARON RAI NEWS:
- Why Aaron Rai wears two gloves while playing golf
- How much did Aaron Rai win at PGA Championship?
- How Aaron Rai pulled away from pack to win 2026 PGA Championship
- Aaron Rai caps PGA Championship win with wondrous putt on No. 17
- Aaron Rai makes English history as first PGA Championship winner
Rory McIlroy heated exchange with fan
McIlroy heard a loud “USA” chant from a fan at the 16th hole on Sunday, just as his errant shot failed to reach the green and bounced into the bunker.
🚨🗣️ ‘SHUT THE F— UP!’ 🫨
Rory McIlroy loses it on a fan during his final round at The PGA Championship and appears to direct security to have them removed. pic.twitter.com/rlIxfPW9ln
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 17, 2026
Already frustrated as he trailed by three shots with three holes to play, McIlroy channeled his aggravation and appeared to tell the fan to “shut the f— up” before using his club to direct security toward the culprit.
McIlroy, who is from Northern Ireland, has undoubtedly heard worse over the years and perhaps this very weekend, but his reaction makes more sense given the circumstances of a shot that just about ended any hopes he still had of winning.
McIlroy didn’t address the incident after his round, but he made it clear his frustrations had nothing to do with Rai.
“You won’t find one person on property who’s not happy for [Rai],” McIlroy told reporters.
Rory McIlroy on Aaron Rai: “You won’t find one person on property who’s not happy for him.”
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterNS) May 18, 2026
McIlroy’s quest for a seventh major championship will continue at the U.S. Open in June.