After McIlroy hit a tee shot during Saturday's third round, a fan in the first row of the gallery started screaming, "Bunker, get in the bunker!" Of course, the fan had his phone in his hand to film the entire thing in hopes of going viral.He accomplished the mission, but not in the style he was hoping for.Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland looks on from the 18th green during the second round of the 126th U.S.OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 19, 2026 in Southampton, New York.
(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) (Warren Little/Getty Images)WYNDHAM CLARK DOESN'T HAVE TO BE LOVED, BUT HE DOES HAVE TO BE RESPECTED AFTER US OPEN TRIUMPH AT SHINNECOCKAfter watching playing partner Maverick McNealy hit his tee shot on the hole, McIlroy began walking toward the fairway, but with his eyes locked on the fan.Just when it looked as if he was just going to let the fan off with an intense stare, he hit him with a hand motion indicating he had a gut.Shouting something ridiculous at a professional golfer who is standing 10 yards away from you is absurd behavior, but in the age of social media, it's become the norm.
It was also the overarching theme for this year's U.S.Open.Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland watches a putt on the 15th green during the second round of the 126th U.S.
OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 19, 2026 in Southampton, New York.(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)NEW YORK GOLF FANS DESERVE TO BE CALLED OUT, SAM BURNS HAS A GOOD CRY, WYNDHAM CLARK'S BEST SHOT AT SHINNECOCKThe fans in New York created the most hostile environment in recent memory for Clark during his final round on Sunday.From the moment he began his final round until he tapped in the tournament-clinching par putt on the 72nd hole as the sun set on Shinnecock, Clark took a verbal beating from the fans.Shouts for his ball to find a bunker the moment he made contact, cheers when an approach shot rolled off the putting surface, and minor ro...