Rory McIlroy Appears to Shout Back at Fan Who Heckled Him Late in PGA Championship

A fan in the gallery shouted "U-S-A" at McIlroy, which he didn't seem too happy about as he finished short at the PGA Championship.

Rory McIlroy failed to make a move on Sunday at the PGA and appeared to respond to a heckling fan. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

After a first-round 74 at the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy was asked to describe his day. 

“S---,” he replied. 

Two days later, getting back in contention, McIlroy declared, “I said no profanity today.”

The cussing returned on Sunday, though. 

On the par-5 16th hole, McIlroy hit a tee shot into the right rough. Then, from there, the Northern Irishman found the greenside bunker, followed by a fan chanting, “U-S-A” at him. 

Afterward, McIlroy turned to the gallery and was seen on the CBS telecast saying, “Shut the f--- up,” before seemingly pointing the fan out to security. It’s unknown if the person was ejected from the grounds. 

🚨🗣️ ‘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

McIlroy would go on to make par. 

Of course, it was nothing compared to what McIlroy heard at the Ryder Cup. And “U-S-A” heckles aren’t uncommon toward European Ryder Cup players at Tour events, just ask Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick. 

Still, McIlroy was frustrated by his day, which was close to wrapping up. He began Sunday three strokes off the lead but failed to make the move he needed, logging 1-under par throughout the round. 

“I think not birdieing the two par-5s and making the bogey at the drivable par-4 13th,” McIlroy said after his round. “To me, I felt like I played the golf I needed to play the rest of the way. If I birdied the two par-5s and turned that 5 into a 3 on 13, the day looks very different.”

Ultimately, McIlroy finished T7, five strokes back of champion Aaron Rai. 

McIlroy’s next start will be in three weeks at the Memorial Tournament. Perhaps, a good week there will be devoid of any profanity.