JuicyTalk
Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy sealed another point for a dominant Team Europe in the fourballs, with McIlroy, who was involved in a verbal altercation with spectators earlier in the day, calling the win “hugely satisfying”.
The two Irishmen produced a gritty, at times backs-to-the-wall performance as they emerged victorious in their match with Cameron Young and Justin Thomas to give Europe a whopping 10.5-3.5 lead.
There was also a stunning performance from Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, who overcame Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler in another fiery affair.
“That win is hugely satisfying. It’s Shane and I’s first full point as a partnership. We wanted another blue point on the board,” McIlroy said.
“I am so proud of [Shane]. He was there for me all day and I am drained. He dug in when he had to and I chipped in when I could.
“The credit must go to him.”
The surge of emotion after the match win was all the more notable given the heated exchange between a furious McIlroy and a handful of American fans at Bethpage Black earlier in the day.
As McIlroy was preparing to hit his approach to the 16th green, he was heckled by members of the crowd, with one heard shouting “freedom”.
He had earlier responded to abuse by blowing kisses towards the spectators, but this time reacted angrily, telling the hecklers to “shut the **** up.”
The remark drew jeers from the crowd, but McIlroy followed up his comment in the most effective way possible – by firing his iron shot from the rough to within three feet of the flag.
Afterwards, the Northern Irishman added: “I don’t mind them having a go at us. That’s to be expected. 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. In between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s totally fine.
“But just give us the respect to let us hit shots, and give us the same chance that the Americans have.”
