Smith: "Whilst vile Ryder Cup fans ignored the rules, Scottie Scheffler's mother set the example"

One of the privileges of attending the Ryder Cup as part of the hundreds of accredited media is having the opportunity to watch the action up close, inside the ropes.

It's not really necessary, in all honesty, and I'm a firm believer only photographers, commentators and those filming for TV broadcasts around the world really need to be that close.

But this the Ryder Cup so I would be foolish not to take advantage of such an incredible opportunity, right? It was a surreal experience in Rome and once again proved to be the case at Bethpage. 

There are, of course, plenty of rules you must adhere to before being given your cherished lanyard for a front-row seat. It goes without saying you are not to bother players or caddies, you also must stick to an arm's length of the rope at all times. You're not allowed to film and, perhaps most importantly, you're asked to duck or kneel when shots are being played so as to not block the view of the paying punter. 

It was a shame that so many elected to ignore the latter rule over the weekend and why I felt a bit guilty at times. It is also why the behaviour of Scottie Scheffler's mother, Diane, struck me as she followed her son in the Sunday singles as he played what turned out to be a bit of a pillow fight against a knackered Rory McIlroy.

On the 14th tee box, Diane was the only person to kneel down. The vast majority stood on their tiptoes and whipped out their phones, not giving a crap about the hundreds of kids that had likely waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the two best players on the planet. 

There were a few half-joking-half-serious chants of "down in front" but their pleas were ignored. I ducked out of the way, still a little bit frazzled after I had to dodge McIlroy's golf ball on the hole prior:

Diane's small gesture struck me, though, because what she did what was right. She was following the rules and it was about respect for others. 

Something so lacking at this Ryder Cup. 

Despite being an all-timer, the 45th edition will now be remembered for the moronic actions of a select few US fans who turned Bethpage into a complete and utter circus. 

The practice sessions at Bethpage were relatively tame. McIlroy was booed as he made his way to the first tee box at the opening session. He smiled, blew kisses and appeared to fully embrace the fact he was going to be public enemy number one all week. 

They don't really hate him, I thought, but this week they had to. 

As I observed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, there were a few mentions about his collapse at the 2024 U.S. Open and now-famous choke during the final round of the 2014 Masters. 

Some gibes even drew a chuckle from McIlroy. One fan remarked to the Northern Irishman as he fixed his collar that he didn't need a button to choke. Touché

Then it got so much worse. 

I've been to plenty of football matches over the years and listened to horrific abuse being hurled at players, but nothing came close to what I observed and heard over the weekend.  

McIlroy's week included:

• Being told to 'f--- off' at every opportunity
• People shouting during his backswing
• People questioning his manhood
• Comments about his caddie, Harry
• Comments about his marriage
• His wife, Erica, repeatedly being labelled something I won't commit to paper
• Erica being struck with a beer

It also didn't help matters that a third-rate comedian, who was hired by the PGA of America to rev the crowd up, led them in chants of "F--- you Rory". She later resigned out of sheer embarrassment. 

"It should be off-limits, but it wasn't this week," McIlroy told reporters on Sunday. 

"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."

If the 2025 Ryder Cup has taught us anything it's that this really is now time for change. Golf's showpiece is not an excuse to get wasted and hurl insults. 

McIlroy said: "Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

"Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.

"Sometimes this week we didn't see that. So no, this should not be acceptable in the Ryder Cup."

The 2027 Ryder Cup will be held in Ireland. McIlroy was adamant the abuse will not surface at Adare Manor. 

"We will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable," he added. 

Let us all hope this the case.