PGA of America issue statement as Ryder Cup host quits and apologises to Rory McIlroy

The PGA of America has confirmed that Ryder Cup host Heather McMahan has apologised to Rory McIlroy and quit her job as first-tee announcer after instigating an X-rated chant aimed at the Team Europe golfer. The 36-year-old was subjected to relentless verbal abuse, boos and heckling by the American crowd at Bethpage Black on Saturday.

McIlroy partnered with Shane Lowry in the opening four-ball match against Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay after earlier teaming Tommy Fleetwood to win 5&4 against Collin Morikawa and Harris English in the morning foursomes. Throughout the day, the Northern Irishman had to contend with a hostile reception from disruptive spectators. Ryder Cup organisers were forced to remind fans to behave appropriately on the big screens scattered around the course in New York.

And comedian McMahan was filmed leading chants of "F*** you Rory!" at the first tee through a megaphone before the morning foursomes got underway. She has since apologised to the five-time Major championship winner.

A statement from the PGA of America read: "Heather McMahan has extended an apology to Rory Mcllroy and Ryder Cup Europe and has stepped down from hosting the first tee of the Ryder Cup."

McIlroy's initial reaction to the expletive-ridden chants were to blow kisses towards the crowd at the first tee. But he became more irate as the round progressed with extra security brought in to police the behaviour of the fans. He was jeered mid-putt on the 6th green and told officials he would not play "until they shut up".

While preparing to take a shot on the approach to the 16th green, during his pre-shot routine, McIlroy stepped back to tell one fan to "shut the f*** up" after someone behind him had yelled "freedom!" to intentionally distract him. Regardless, McIlroy and Lowry went on to finish 2 up and put another point on the board for Team Europe.

The Masters champion said of the crowd's treatment of him: "I don't mind them having a go at us. Like, that's to be expected. I mean, that's what an away Ryder Cup is. Whenever they are still doing it while you are over the ball and trying to hit your shot, that's the tough thing.

"You know, look, in between shots, say whatever you want to me. That's totally fine. But just let us - you gave us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have, I guess."

Asked if the locals had overstepped their mark, McIlroy continued: "When you play an away Ryder Cup it's really, really challenging. It's not for me to say.

"People can be their own judge whether they took it too far or not. I'm just proud of us for being able to win with what we had to go through."

After he and Fleetwood beat Lowry edged out Justin Thomas and Cameron Young in a tense fourball win, a drink was allegedly thrown at McIlroy's wife Erica Stoll near the 17th green. Footage showed McIlroy brushing something from Stoll's cap and asking, "Are you OK?" as security rushed in.