After an extraordinary 3 days in Rome, Europe emerged victorious in this year's Ryder Cup, by a margin of 16 1/2- 11 1/2. This past weekend provided drama both on and off the course. The heartbeat for the majority of this controversy was centred around the USA's own, Patrick Cantlay.
Superb performances from Cantlay
Patrick Cantlay has often been viewed as a somewhat coarse personality in golfing circles. The 31-year-old Californian was however, one of few stand outs in this year's tournament for the US side. In particular, during the final match on Saturday afternoon, the Americans were staring down the barrel of a six point deficit heading in to the Sunday singles. Cantlay turned around the final four ball match, almost singlehandedly, against Rory MciIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick. Including a phenomenal putt on the 18th green, leading to a comeback victory for the Americans as Cantlay and Wyndham Clark won the match 1up.
Another point and that's a wrap on Day 2. @patrick_cantlay | #RyderCup | #GoUSA pic.twitter.com/t1BI4qECmu
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 30, 2023
Despite Cantlay being one of few Americans to stand tall during a European onslaught across the first two days, that incredible come back on Saturday evening was totally over shadowed by the antics of his caddy, Joe LaCava. After Cantlay's putt on the 18th both Europeans still had putts to half the match. La Cava was widely viewed to have 'over stepped the mark' especially as regards to his behaviour toward Rory McIlroy. This even led to a heated exchange in the car park as the players were leaving the course on Saturday night. The initial coverage failed to capture much of what had transpired but now videos have emerged showing the event in full.
This angle of the Joe LaCava-Rory McIlroy incident though 😳
pic.twitter.com/TGERTGVAK3— Ålex Perry (@byAlexPerry) October 1, 2023
'Hat-Gate'
This was not the first time Cantlay had been at the centre of controversy over the course of the week. On Saturday morning, after a disastrous Friday in which the USA had lost the opening foursomes session 4-0 for the first time in the history of the competition, Cantlay was reported to be at the heart of a rift amongst the American side. The report came initially from Jamie Weir on Twitter.
Understand from several sources that the US team room is fractured, a split led predominantly by Patrick Cantlay.
Cantlay believes players should be paid to participate in the Ryder Cup, and is demonstrating his frustration at not being paid by refusing to wear a team cap.— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) September 30, 2023
This led to some brilliant reactions from the European fans on Saturday afternoon with chants of, "Hats off for your bank account," following Cantlay around Marco Simone Country Club.
“Hats off for your bank account” is the chant to Patrick Cantlay on the 16th. What a scene. #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/TzeSPXdSAu
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) September 30, 2023
Much of the American team responded strongly to the rumours of a fractured team room, refuting the reports wholeheartedly. US captain, Zach Johnson, responded to the report on Saturday, stating;
This is the closest knit team I've ever been associated with. This team is different, it's special. Patrick is one of those 12. He is beyond committed. If anything, I would like to emphasise that he has been an awesome leader inside our clubhouse.
There is not a rift in this team room. This is one of the most united teams I have ever been associated with. When it comes to the dollar sign, I don't mean to sound cliché, but the Ryder Cup is about more than any of that.
Cantlay responded openly at the team press conference, where much of the media attention was on him after the Europeans sealed victory on Sunday afternoon. A strange detail to also emerge was the confirmation of reports that Cantlay was marrying his partner Nikki Guiddish in Rome on Monday, the day after the Ryder Cup was finished.
I think I like Patrick Cantlay a whole lot more after watching the closing team press conference. He was great fun! In fact the camaraderie and fun among Team USA even in defeat was brilliant to see. Fair play to them. #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/X0tHQ8BHzC
— ᴅᴏᴄ - GOLFCENTRALDAILY.com (@GolfCentralDoc) October 1, 2023
Reaction from US Golf Media
The reaction from well renowned US golf podcast,'No Laying Up' was one of confusion. Kevin Van Valkenburg stated,
I think I feel comfortable saying this, there are probably three to four people from the team who are going to Patrick's wedding. So this idea to me that as a team they're super united? I think this idea that they're fractured is not totally accurate but I do think saying 'this is the closest team we've ever been on', might be an indictment of all the previous teams.
Van Valkenburg also gave fuel to the rumours that Cantlay was angry about the fact the players don't receive financial compensation for playing in the Ryder Cup;
I talked to Stefan (Schauffele's father) at length and he was absolutely like Patrick (Cantlay) deserves to be paid for being in the Ryder Cup. He went off and went in at length about how ridiculous it is that they aren't paid.
After Rory Mcilroy described the European team as, "a young team and one I hope will be around for a long time." It is clear the Europeans made friendships and bonds that will last a lifetime. However, Patrick Cantlay's reported guest list for his wedding suggests this is not a team of famous friends.
