Why Rory McIlroy Is Wearing A Baseball Cap At The 2023 Ryder Cup

There's been a lot of baseball cap talk at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Patrick Cantlay - just like he did in the 2021 Ryder Cup - is playing without a cap. This is believed to be a protest against Ryder Cup golfers not receiving compensation for playing the tournament.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlory is wearing a cap. This is unusual for him in a team competition.

McIlroy has always had a distinctively different look during team events in the past by comparison to how he carries himself on tour. The Co. Down man has typically not worn a hat at the Ryder Cup. As the years have gone on Mcilroy has taken an interesting approach with his headwear.

1 August 2021; Rory McIlroy of Ireland lines up his putt on the 10th green during the bronze medal play-off in round 4 of the men's individual stroke play at the Kasumigaseki Country Club during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The presumption amongst most golf fans is that this would be due to sponsorship deals, such as McIlroy's deal with Nike. These brands view hats as critical advertising space and nearly all players would be encouraged to wear a hat in order to maximise the value of their sponsorship.

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In an interview with Golf Digest in 2021 he explained why;

My head is so small that I have to get Nike to make me custom hats. So whenever I’m in a team event and the hats aren’t custom, they’re all too big.

Change of plan for Ryder Cup 2023

McIlroy confirmed earlier this week that he would be changing his attire from previous years. After playing practice rounds in the week at Marco Simone Country Club, where temperatures have been reaching 33 degrees, it was reported that McIlroy would indeed be dawning the blue European cap.

Now for the BIG Ryder Cup news you’ve all been waiting for…
Have just had confirmation from Rory McIlroy himself that he probably WON’T be going hatless this year. Played hatless yesterday and found it too hot. Hat was on today, and he thinks that’s the way forward#Journalism

— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) September 27, 2023

McIlroy has been in fantastic form winning 3 points from 3 as of Saturday afternoon. He looked to be at his sparkling best Friday morning as his 'Fleetwood Mac' pairing with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood won their opening match 2&1 to secure a fourth point for the Europeans in the first morning foursomes session. McIlroy produced the kind of shot he's become famed for down the years at the 17th, to seal a point for Europe.