Rory McIlroy furious with heckling fan during final round at PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy was involved in a tense exchange with a spectator during the final round of the PGA Championship after appearing to ask security to intervene following a shout from the crowd at Aronimink.

The world number two was playing his third shot into the par-5 16th when the incident unfolded. 

After finding a difficult lie in the rough just short of the green, McIlroy attempted a delicate pitch over a greenside bunker to a tightly tucked pin.

His shot came up short and rolled into the bunker, prompting a spectator to allegedly shout “USA” in McIlroy’s direction immediately after impact.

McIlroy immediately turned towards the crowd and pointed out the fan to a nearby security officer using his club. 

It was also alleged on social media that McIlroy shouted “shut the f*** up” in the direction of the unruly spectator as tensions briefly boiled over.

Television cameras captured the moment as a nearby security officer moved to deal with the situation.

Sky Sports Golf commentator Paul McGinley said on the broadcast: “Somebody obviously said something.”

Watch what happened here: 

It remains unclear whether the spectator was removed from the course, but McIlroy’s frustration was evident as he attempted to stay focused during the closing stages of the championship.

To his credit, the four-time major champion responded impressively by getting up and down from the bunker to save par and remain firmly inside the top five on the leaderboard at four-under par.

McIlroy was chasing a third Wanamaker Trophy and the chance to win back-to-back majors to begin the 2026 season, but fell short in his bid for another PGA Championship title.

The Northern Irishman finished in a share of seventh on four-under par, five shots behind England's Aaron Rai, who sealed his first major title.