Sat Sep 27 15:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre faced harsh heckling from American fans during the Ryder Cup’s opening day at Bethpage State Park. The hostile crowd, among other insults, shouted abusive and demeaning comments at him during his match with Viktor Hovland against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. News of the passing of fellow golfer Jake Knapp’s girlfriend, Makena White, also cast a pall over the tournament.
**News Article:**
**Ryder Cup Marred by Heckling as Fans Turn on European Golfer; Tournament Shadowed by Tragedy**
FARMINGDALE, NY – The opening day of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course was marred by unsportsmanlike behavior as Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre endured relentless heckling from a portion of the American crowd.
MacIntyre, paired with Viktor Hovland, faced a barrage of insults during their match against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. The hostility escalated as MacIntyre prepared for his tee shot on the 17th hole, with one spectator yelling vulgar and offensive slurs. Prior to this, MacIntyre was also subjected to body-shaming comments, adding to the already intense pressure of the competition.
While MacIntyre and Hovland ultimately lost to Schauffele and Cantlay after leading a strong recovery, the focus shifted away from the golf due to the unacceptable behavior of some fans.
The event was also clouded by tragedy, as news broke of the sudden passing of Makena White, the girlfriend of PGA Tour pro Jake Knapp. White, just 28 years old, reportedly passed away on the eve of the tournament. Her family broke the news through White’s Instagram account. White and Knapp had been dating since August 2023 and her love for golf was rekindled through their relationship.
First Piper 