On a scorching day in Rome, something unusual happened during the Ryder Cup, causing quite a stir. The whole thing began with a strange news story that turned American golfer Patrick Cantlay into an unexpected figure of controversy. It led to heated exchanges between members of both teams on the 18th hole and ended with Rory McIlroy venting his frustration in the parking lot.
It all started when news came out around lunchtime that Cantlay wasn’t wearing a Team USA cap on the course. People speculated that he was protesting because he wasn’t paid to play in the Ryder Cup. Cantlay denied it, but European fans started taunting him with chants like “Where’s your hat, Patty?” as he played. They kept teasing him throughout the day.
As the day went on, the taunts got more creative. When Cantlay missed a shot, someone yelled, “You want money for that?” When he arrived at the 16th hole, a large gathering of spectators enthusiastically raised their hats while playfully singing humorous tunes related to his financial matters. Cantlay finally cracked a smile but was clearly annoyed.
During the final hole, Cantlay made a crucial putt and sarcastically tipped an imaginary cap to the fans. His caddie, Joe LaCava, took it even further by wildly waving his hat, provoking boos from the crowd. McIlroy, who was about to putt, gave LaCava a disapproving look. Other European players shouted at LaCava to show some respect.
After McIlroy and his teammate Matt Fitzpatrick missed their putts, tempers flared during the post-match handshakes. McIlroy and LaCava exchanged words, and it escalated further with Shane Lowry and Justin Rose getting involved. Caddies are supposed to protect their players, so it was unclear whether LaCava was helping or hurting Cantlay.
The drama continued outside the clubhouse, where a video showed Lowry restraining an enraged McIlroy during a heated argument with another US caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay.
Despite all the tensions, McIlroy said the conflicts on the 18th green would motivate him for the next day’s matches. Cantlay didn’t comment much on his caddie’s behavior, simply praising him.
Given the hot weather, a golf course filled with fans who had been drinking, and the intense rivalry, it was no surprise that emotions boiled over. McIlroy’s matchup with Cantlay was particularly intense, drawing a massive crowd.
While there were other matches happening that afternoon, it seemed like everyone in Italy was focused on this one. The golf course was packed with spectators, and famous faces like Niall Horan, Justin Timberlake, and Peter Jones from Dragons’ Den were in attendance.
Throughout the match, Cantlay played brilliantly and matched McIlroy shot for shot. The atmosphere was tense, and Cantlay became the target of the crowd’s emotions.
In the end, Cantlay’s exceptional final putts gave the US some hope for the upcoming singles matches. The overall score was in favor of Europe, but the US gained some momentum.
As the sun set and tensions rose, it became clear that it was time for everyone to call it a day. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities on the golf course.