Erica McIlroy was hit by a thrown beer can during Saturday’s action in New York and her husband was subjected to sustained abuse throughout the three days of the competition.
“I take it as a compliment that they attacked me,” McIlroy said. “But at the same time it was a difficult week. That made us better as a team.”
“It galvanized us and really embraced each other.”
The 36-year-old Northern Irishman was paired with former Open champion Shane Lowry on both Friday and Saturday afternoons, when the crowds were most hostile.
Lowry holed the putt that ensured Europe would not be defeated despite the United States’ stirring reaction on the final day of singles.
“Honestly, I was so happy to have Shane by my side on Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon. He was like the big brother I never had those two afternoons,” McIlroy added.
“He played some incredible golf to keep us there. And we won a point and a half in our two matches. Him making that putt was a perfect way to end the week.”
McIlroy has stated that he does not want the crowd scenes to overshadow Europe’s brilliant performance, particularly in the foursomes and fourball sessions.
He can look back on what he calls “the season of his golfing life,” which brought him a long-awaited career grand slam with his Masters triumph, as well as wins at the Players Championship, Pebble Beach and the Irish Open.
McIlroy is now aiming for success here in Abu Dhabi, as well as the season finale at next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
He is in pole position to claim his seventh Race to Dubai title, but only has a narrow lead in the standings over England’s Marco Penge.
“I remember trying to win my first race to Dubai in 2009 and going up against Lee Westwood in those last two events,” McIlroy said.
“I was motivated and hungry and I really wanted to do it and I’m sure that’s exactly what Marco feels. So it’s going to be an exciting couple of weeks.”
Returning to the Middle East, McIlroy is reflective after so much success in a year that began in the United Arab Emirates at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
“I think about the beginning of January 2025, when I was last here and everything that has happened since then,” he said.
“Honestly, I never knew in my wildest dreams. I mean, I knew a year like this was possible, but it’s been an incredible 10 months.”
