Erica Stoll, Rory McIlroy’s spouse, was struck by a beer cup while on the 17th green during the Ryder Cup amid a weekend filled with hostility directed at Team Europe and their loved ones.
“Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” McIlroy commented regarding the behavior from American spectators.
Veteran golf commentator Amanda Balionis – who worked with the PGA from 2011-2017 before joining CBS from 2017 to the present – like many, saw what should have been celebratory proceedings. After, she endorsed a detailed Instagram post from the Glamour Mag account demanding reform in golf’s atmosphere.
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“If you need more evidence that culture is becoming more misogynistic in 2025, just look at Rory McIlroy’s wife’s Ryder Cup experience,” the post read.
“Over the weekend, Erica Stoll was subjected to the following: had a beer thrown at her head, was taunted with barbs about her brief 2024 split from her husband, and had to listen to fans chant the name of a woman who, some fans online claim without proof, had a relationship with McIlroy at some point around their breakup.
“At the link in bio, read why the hateful [in real life] harassment shows a cultural shift, one where men feel emboldened to attack women in public, without shame or consequence.”
Thankfully, McIlroy revealed during his post-match media session following Team Europe’s nail-biting 15-13 victory over Team USA that Stoll is all ok. “[Family should be off-limits, but it wasn’t this week,” he stated.
“Erica is fine. She’s a strong woman. 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 [this win].”
Irish golfer Shane Lowry’s six-foot birdie putt on the 18th during Sunday’s singles ensured at least a retention of the Ryder Cup title for the Europeans.
He partnered with McIlroy in Saturday’s doubles and confirmed that Stoll was being harshly treated by the American fans.
“I was out there for two days with Erica McIlroy, and the amount of abuse that she received was astonishing,” he remarked. “And the way she was out there supporting her husband and supporting her team was unbelievable, and kudos to her for that.”
