Rory McIlroy had a hilarious response to a group of American golf fans who jokingly shouted at the golf star during a round at St Andrews this week.
The Northern Irishman was at the Old Course as he stepped up his preparations for golf gold at the Paris Olympics.
Hordes of fans gathered around the 18th green as McIlroy closed his round on Monday, with many shouting praise in the 35-year-old’s direction.
“Rory, New York loves you!” one shouted, before others followed with chants of “Miami, Florida!” and “The Bronx, baby, the Bronx!”
McIlroy absorbed the praise and then responded by cupping his hands around his mouth and shouting his own message.
Rory McIlroy had a hilarious response for American golf fans during a round at St Andrews this week
McIlroy partners Shane Lowry for Team Ireland at the Olympics at Le Golf National in Paris
“You’re not going to want us next year!” said the Northern Irishman, referring to the 2025 Ryder Cup, which will be held at Bethpage Black, near New York City.
McIlroy will be part of the European team looking to defend the Ryder Cup next year and his joke drew cheers and laughter from American fans.
The 35-year-old, who partners Shane Lowry for Team Ireland at the Olympic Games at Le Golf National in Paris, helped Europe beat the United States in Rome last year.
McIlroy was involved in a scuffle with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava and the Northern Irishman later had to be restrained in the car park.