Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray to retire after Ryder Cup abuse
Veteran Sky Sports golf commentator Ewen Murray will retire later this year, citing the disgraceful abuse directed at Rory McIlroy’s family during the recent Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
The 71-year-old has been the defining voice of the sport on British television for 35 years following his own professional playing career.
However, the intensely hostile atmosphere witnessed during Europe’s recent victory in New York prompted the broadcaster to bring forward his departure.
‘Disgraceful’ scenes in New York
McIlroy and his wife Erica were repeatedly targeted by aggressive sections of the American crowd in September.
The Northern Irishman eventually received a formal apology from the PGA of America after an event MC led abusive chants and his wife was struck by a beer can.
“I heard stuff in that half-hour that I can’t repeat to you, it’s that bad,” Murray told the Sliced Podcast.
“Not fired at Rory but at Rory’s family. I walked back and I thought, ‘Do you really need to be part of this any more?'”
“By the time I got on the plane on the Monday, I looked out over New York and thought it’s been a fantastic journey, but if that’s our future I really don’t want any part of it.”
A fitting finale in Scotland
The former European Tour player confirmed he will fulfil his contractual duties at next month’s Masters tournament.
He plans to cover The Open Championship in July before potentially calling time on his illustrious career at the Senior Open.
The Gleneagles venue holds deep personal significance for the Scottish broadcaster, as it is where his parents first met.
“I just feel that after the Ryder Cup I lost a little bit of respect for the game,” he added.
“I will be doing the Masters, I will do The Open and I may finish at the Seniors because my father was an assistant pro and my mother worked in the hotel.”
