Persistent heckler cracks up Rory McIlroy at US Open: "Rooooooory!"

Rory McIlroy reportedly did acknowledge the heckler at Los Angeles Country Club.

15 Jun 2023

Persistent heckler cracks up Rory McIlroy at US Open: "Rooooooory!"

Rory McIlroy reportedly cracked up as he was taunted during his practice round before the 123rd US Open.

McIlroy was reportedly repeatedly targeted by one fan who yelled: "My guy Brooks would have made that putt," according to the Athletic.

The fan added: "Rooooo-ry". McIlroy's response was 'tactful' and he is said to have broke out into a fit of laughter.

Reported Brody Miller:

"McIlroy just sighs, his shoulders slightly dropping. Another day in another wild week in another exhausting year. He keeps on practicing, though, hitting winding putts up hills and plopping into the bunker to splash shots right near the pin. And the man keeps shouting at McIlroy as the crowd laughs along.

"It goes on to the point McIlroy can't help but break and just starts laughing. He looks over at this distasteful fan and gives in. It's the tactful thing to do. He smiles, flashing his teeth, and gives a little nod, McIlroy simply cracking up."

Persistent heckler cracks up Rory McIlroy at US Open:

McIlroy will be playing the opening round of the third major of the year alongside the aforementioned Koepka.

He is in a star-studded group alongside former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.

The Northern Irishman, now 34 years old, hasn't won a major championship since the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla.

McIlroy comes into Los Angeles Country Club having been essentially shafted by PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan.

Monahan, who has stepped away from day-to-day activities owing to a 'medical issue', last week announced a landmark agreement to create a new, for-profit entity with LIV Golf's Saudi Arabian backers.

| Rory McIlroy says facing the media after the PGA Tour announced a deal with LIV Golf's Saudi backer was 'the most uncomfortable I've felt in the last 12 months'. pic.twitter.com/T3wZ8dnT7v
— GolfMagic (@GolfMagic) June 8, 2023

The 53-year-old has faced a fierce backlash. Despite McIlroy stating he felt like a 'sacrificial lamb', the Ulsterman admitted he still supports Monahan.

"Removing myself from the situation, I see how this is better for the game of golf, there's no denying it," McIlroy said before the PGA Championship, adding:

"All I've wanted to do is protect the aspirational nature of the PGA Tour. This company sits above everything. Anyone involved with LIV now answers to Jay.

"Whether you like it or not, the PIF is going to keep spending money in golf. Now the PGA Tour is going to control how that money is spent.

"Would you rather have one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds as a partner or an enemy? At the end of the day, money talks, and you'd rather have them as a partner."

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