RORY MCILROY threw his club in frustration after missing a massive putt that would have put Europe in an even more dominant Ryder Cup position.
The Irish superstar had to sink a shot from around 6ft to add another point to an already commanding lead on Friday night.
ReutersRory McIlroy threw his club in frustration after missing a putt[/caption]
He was playing alongside Shane Lowry against Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns in the final four-ball of the day.
He put a majestic shot down the 18th fairway before laying up on to the green, giving himself a birdie chance.
The world number two lined up his putt to win the hole, with the match at deadlock and being drawn at the time.
However, he narrowly nudged it left of the hole, to cheers from the home US crowd and groans to the traveling Europeans.
The 36-year-old then threw his putter up onto the air, which came spinning and crashing down on to the 18th green.
McIlroy was clearly upset with himself despite a dominant display by Team Europe, who lead 5 1/2 to 2 1/2 going into the second day.
Fans reacted with shock at his reaction, flocking to social media in both support and to mock the Masters champion.
One said on X: “Why did you just throw your putter on Friday afternoon?”
Another added: “EJECT RORY FOR THE PUTTER THROW.”
A viewer said: “Rory is so frustrating, 2 short misses now. Absolute disaster if we throw this match away.”
A fourth said: “Club flip and to let it hit the ground on the 18th green is unacceptable.”
And one commented: “Wow Rory! Very unsportsmanlike to toss your club like that! I’m offended and disgusted!!!”
After being made aware during an interview that he had damaged the 18th green, McIlroy did go over to repair the mark that he had left.
It was an excellent first day for Team Europe nonetheless heading into Saturday’s action at Bethpage Black, New York.
ReutersMcIlroy, 36, went over to fix the mark on the 18th green[/caption]
They were 3-1 up after the first set of foursomes, delivering a highly sought-after lead for captain Luke Donald.
The same can’t be said for US counterpart Keegan Bradley, who has a real job on his hands to get his top stars firing.
World number one Scottie Scheffler lost both of his matches on Friday, and failed to deliver any sparkling moments.
Bryson DeChambeau wasn’t at his sensational best either, and it was Justin Thomas who stole the show for the Americans.
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On the flip side, Jon Rahm was the best player on the course on day one, putting in two sizzling rounds of golf.
Tommy Fleetwood looked the man for the big occasion, winning his four-ball with fellow Englishman Justin Rose.
You can follow all the action on day two of the Ryder Cup with SunSport’s blog, live on the course from Bethpage Black.
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