GMAC’s girlfriend targeted by abusive Ryder Cup fans

It is understood McDowell’s American partner was one of those targeted by US fans during the conclusion of the final match last Friday featuring Nicolas Colsaerts, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker.

The nature of the abuse said to have been hurled at McDowell’s other half is unknown, but the pair had the last laugh as Europe pulled off a miraculous last-gasp victory to silence the notoriously vocal American fans.

The alleged abuse directed at Miss Stape was one of a number of stories which surfaced over the weekend of isolated incidents involving fans shouting obscenities to the visiting players and partners during matches.

One of the most shocking incidents was one comment made relating to the late golfing great Seve Ballesteros which was picked up by television crews. Former Ryder Cup captain Ballesteros died last year. He was a close friend of many of the Europe squad and his image adorned the team’s bags and sweaters they wore on Sunday.

Another fan also reportedly mocked Europe’s Justin Rose over the death of his father Ken from cancer.

Two young fans were ejected from the course for shouting abuse at Europe’s Colsaerts.