John Daly has leapt to the defence of Rory McIlroy following the Northern Irishman’s bruising experience at the 2025 Ryder Cup, insisting the European talisman handled some intense hostility from American fans “like a gentleman” while delivering when it mattered most.

McIlroy played a central role in Europe’s dramatic 15–13 victory over the USA at Bethpage Black in September, but the Ryder Cup will be remembered as much for the atmosphere as the golf itself.

The New York crowds created a ferocious environment, and at times it crossed the line — particularly during Saturday’s foursomes and fourballs, when McIlroy was subjected to relentless verbal abuse. His wife, Erica, was even struck by a thrown drink.

Despite that, Daly believes McIlroy’s response only underlined his class and competitive strength.

Speaking to Hard Rock Bet, the two-time major champion praised McIlroy for rising above the noise, even as he acknowledged that a minority of fans went too far during a volatile week in New York.

Daly said:

“Well, New York fans are loyal, man. They love the USA. My hat’s off to Rory McIlroy because they absolutely destroyed him, and the thing is, what they have to understand is, it didn’t bother him.

He played great, and the whole European team played great, and I think what we must realize is the fans are so awesome—they’re going to get behind the U.S., like the Europeans get behind the European team.

It’s probably going to get ugly when we go to Europe again, so our guys are just going to have to be able to put up with it. And the Europeans—my hat’s off to them—the way they dealt with it. I thought

Rory was a gentleman the way he handled it, and he kept winning. It’s sport. That’s what it is.

I wish I could have played one, because I would have relished it either way, but you got to give your hats off to those New York people. They are awesome, and they were behind the U.S. like no other I’ve ever seen.”

While Daly admitted the atmosphere became ugly at times, he stopped short of condemning the crowd as a whole, instead framing it as part of the Ryder Cup’s emotional intensity — something McIlroy and Europe ultimately used to their advantage.

Beyond Bethpage, Daly also opened up about his own Ryder Cup frustrations, revealing that his biggest career regret remains never playing in the biennial contest.

“Biggest regret was never playing in the Ryder Cup.”

He believes Tiger Woods would be the perfect figure to lead Team USA in the future and admitted he would relish the opportunity to work alongside him in any capacity.

“Well, my ancestors are from Cork. I’d love to be a captain one day, but that ain’t never going to happen. But Tiger would be an unbelievable captain. I would love to be a co-captain or just be a part of it somehow.

I feel like I should have been on two teams, but it just didn’t happen. I didn’t play good enough, so I didn’t get on them. But to be a part of the Ryder Cup would be something I would love to do, whether it’s a co-captain or just be a part of it.

I’d love to see it, put my input in, and hopefully help the guys. I think it’d be an experience for me that I’ve always dreamed of doing ever since I won the PGA Championship in 1991.”

Daly also reflected on how the Ryder Cup has evolved since his early playing days, transforming from an American procession into one of sport’s fiercest rivalries.

“I didn’t realize the Ryder Cup growing up. It was just USA number one all the time. But in 1993, that’s when they beat us for the first time in a lot of years.

It started getting really competitive, and now that it’s this competitive and the guys are just great—both sides are all my friends—but just to be a part of it and wear something with the American flag on it.”

‘Play for the flag’ — Daly’s message to Team USA

Daly believes Europe’s edge comes from unity and identity — something he feels Team USA must rediscover.

“Me, personally, I could care less about getting any gifts. I play for the flag of the United States, and I think that’s what I would put more into our team, like the European guys do.

They’re playing for Europe, but they’re playing for their country, too. We play for one country. There’s probably 15 or 20 different countries represented in the European Ryder Cup, and they relish it.

They get behind it, they take a week off, and they all go practice, and they get used to that better ball. I think our team just needs to become more of a family and really get behind the United States of America—the flag—and not worry about what we can get out of it. For me, personally, I just want that Ryder Cup trophy.”

Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com