Rory McIlroy had a disappointing weekend at the US Open by his high standard, finishing tied 32nd after the four-day Major. As well as a relatively low finish, he also had one moment of controversy involving a spectator at the event.

McIlroy was largely in contention on Saturday, but a few too many bogeys on the back nine left him well off the pace and behind eventual winner Wyndham Clark, who had crowd troubles of his own.

In the build-up to the event, McIlroy said that the crowd had been welcoming, and seemingly any worries that there would be a repeat of the abuse he received at last year’s Ryder Cup had been thwarted.

However, it is not possible to please everyone.

Rory McIlroy Target of Fan Heckling at US Open

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

During his final round at Shinnecock Hills, one of the local fans was relentless in his attempt to get under the Northern Irishman’s skin while he attempted his tee shot.

In a video uploaded by X user NUCLRGOLF, the fan can be heard saying: “Get in the bunker. I hope you live there today.”

The spectator did not mince his words and certainly made sure McIlroy could hear him.

It seemed like McIlroy was going to ignore the fan and keep on pushing on the final day, but he then took the opportunity to get one back. He motioned over his stomach with his arms, seemingly implying that the fan may have been overweight!

This was met by a chorus of shocked cheers from the crowd, and the fan who caused the stir sounded particularly taken aback by The Masters champion’s response.

Rory McIlroy Not the Only Target of Fans

Bill Streicher via Imagn Images

That wasn’t the only controversy involving the crowd at the weekend’s event, as eventual winner Wyndham Clark was on the receiving end of plenty of fan scrutiny throughout the tournament.

Fans were heard cheering the winner’s mistakes and becoming audibly annoyed whenever he did something well on the course. This was a backlash from previous antics from last year’s tournament, in which he damaged a historic locker at Oakmont after missing the cut.

Despite the flashpoint for McIlroy, he remained steadfast in his love for playing in front of the passionate local fan base in New York, also saying that major championship environments are a ‘different beast’ when compared to events like the Ryder Cup, where he received a barrage of abuse from the opposing US support.

A 2026 World Cup worker, aged just 22, has been tragically killed following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand last Monday night. The incident took place as the young man was walking home from just his second day at his new job at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

The details, emotional family statement, and Aaron Avery’s final actions before the tragedy have since emerged, with the security guard being rushed to hospital late at night before he passed away a week later.

His ‘devastated’ family have been raising money via their GoFundMe page to help with end-of-life expenses, as Avery leaves behind a legacy true to his kindness.

World Cup Worker Aaron Avery Passes Away After Second Day At Work

Avery, 22, was hit and killed about 10:30 pm Monday near Van Ness Avenue by a suspected drunk driver, his family have revealed.

“This is a very devastating moment for my family,” his aunt Norma Quinn told CBS News. “He was my sister’s baby. It’s very devastating.”

His family believed the driver was speeding and was under the influence. “From what I was told, it was a strong possibility that speed played a part in it, and the guy was under the influence,” Quinn told the outlet. The driver, however, has claimed that he couldn’t see Avery because it was nighttime, and he was wearing all black, according to the family.

“You say you didn’t see my brother walking because he had on all black,” Avery’s sister, Monique Yates said. “It don’t matter what colour he had on. That can’t be an excuse on why you hit somebody.”

Avery was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The family, who said they are facing significant end-of-life expenses, medical bills, and funeral costs, have so far raised more than $10,000.

Avery Has Become An Organ Donor Following The Tragedy

On Saturday, relatives gathered at OneLegacy in Azusa to honour Avery by donating his organs. Staff lined the hallway as doctors wheeled his body into the operating room, while family members said their goodbyes. Avery donated his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. OneLegacy said his donation could potentially save up to eight lives.

“There’s over 100,000 folks across the nation, nearly 19,000 Californians, who are waiting for a life-saving organ,” said Blanca Cohen of OneLegacy. “Unfortunately, all too many folks pass away each day waiting for that gift.”

The need is especially great among black patients. Last year, according to CBS News, black Americans made up 27% of candidates on the national transplant waitlist, with most waiting for kidneys, while only 15% of registered donors were Black.

Avery’s family said they find comfort in knowing his generosity could help others. “I know this is our final goodbye, but at the same time, I know that something good is going to come out of it,” Quinn said. “They’ll have a part of him, and maybe he can turn them into gamers. Haha.”

Iran left a 74-word handwritten note following their 0-0 draw with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday evening, placing it in the dressing room before being forced to swiftly leave Los Angeles. Team Melli have faced a difficult summer both on and off the pitch.

Geopolitical tensions back home have followed them to the tournament, creating a challenging backdrop to their campaign in North America. A heavy-handed new rule introduced by Donald Trump meant that, while Iran were ultimately permitted to compete in the showpiece event after initial uncertainty, they have been required to leave the United States immediately after each match and return to their training base in Mexico.

The restrictions have undoubtedly made Amir Ghalenoei’s side one of the most fatigued teams at the tournament, both physically and mentally. Yet they have still managed to remain unbeaten. A 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match means they still have everything to play for heading into their final Group G fixture against Egypt.

Iran’s 74-word Message to Los Angeles After World Cup Meeting

Daniel Cole via Reuters

Despite having their national anthem booed and their head coach feeling shunned by rival teams, Iran have continued to show resilience throughout the tournament – and, in their latest gesture, plenty of class as well. As per The Sun, the Persians decided to leave a note thanking Los Angeles for hosting them twice at the SoFi stadium.

The heartfelt message read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today. The spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast.

Meanwhile, the ‘168’ written on the note refers to the 168 people who were killed at the girls’ elementary school in South Iran on February 28. An airstrike was directed at Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School, according to the Associated Press, and the vast majority of fatalities from the strike were children.

The February strike reportedly had the highest reported civilian death toll since the war began, and has since been criticised by the United Nations and human rights organisations.

The Middle Eastern nation’s ability to rise above the noise surrounding them and embrace their trip to a country that continues to carry out attacks against them thousands of miles away is a remarkable display of resilience. It is also a reminder of how proud they are of who they are, where they come from, and what they represent in the face of adversity.

Iran’s Chances of Making World Cup Round of 32

Daniel Cole via Reuters

Following Iran’s second game, Ghalenoei was able to speak positively about his side and hope for a historic campaign. He was delighted by his side’s display against underperforming dark horses Belgium. He said: “We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions.

It’s possible Iran could play the USA in the Round of 32 should they both finish second in their respective groups. However, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side winning their first two matches, they would need to lose by five goals in their final game against Turkey for that to happen.