Shane Lowry and his European teammates at the Ryder Cup go into the final day of action leading their USA counterparts 10½-5½.
The Americans went on a charge yesterday afternoon winning the afternoon Fourballs session 3-1 to remain in contention ahead of today's hotly anticipated singles.
Patrick Cantlay played a pivotal role in the US resurgence, his birdie on the 18th hole clinching a come-from-behind win over Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Controversy has ensued in the form of a spat between Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava and Lowry, who was watching the dramatic action unfold on the side of the green with the rest of his team.
The pair engaged in a shouting match after Cantlay sunk his putt. McIlroy then had to step up while LaCava waved his hat in celebration, which led to Lowry coming to his compatriots defence.
Live From just showed this angle of LaCava on the 18th green in Rory’s kitchen as he prepared for his birdie putt. Definitely right in Rory’s way. pic.twitter.com/NcBAILHBcJ
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) September 30, 2023
LaCava and the Americans were waving their hats because the European fans had done the same to Cantlay throughout the day.
Cantlay opted not to wear his team hat this week with Sky Sports reporting that it was in protest over the fact that Ryder Cup players don't get paid, however the 2021 FedEx Cup winner says the hat simply doesn't fit.
There is now talk that the American team won't wear their hats today in support of their teammate.
LaCava later admitted to NBC's on-course reporter John Wood that he'd accidentally gotten in the way of McIlroy as he prepared to putt.
He reckoned that McIlroy didn't have a problem with it but Lowry took exception.
Here's the video. LaCava told Steve Sands Rory didn't have a problem with it, but Lowry was chirping him. pic.twitter.com/yHwTlXnZOb
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 30, 2023
McIlroy did have words with LaCava after before getting involved in a heated exchange in the car park after the day's play.
History between Shane Lowry and Patrick Cantlay
There is previous bad blood between Lowry and Cantlay which may help to explain what caused the Clara man to be so frustrated yesterday.
Lowry lost his singles match against the American at the 2021 Ryder Cup in Whistling Straights and was far from impressed with some of the antics employed by his opponent.
“Patrick Cantlay p*ssed me off on the 8 th hole if I’m honest," he said.
"He was riling up the crowd whilst I was lining up my putt annoyed me quite a lot, and I didn’t feel that it was good from him, but it is what it is."
Lowry faces Jordan Spieth in his singles clash this afternoon, Cantlay takes on Justin Rose, while McIlroy goes head-to-head with Sam Burns.
Europe need just four points to regain the Ryder Cup.
SEE ALSO: European Fans Mercilessly Troll Patrick Cantlay With 'Hats Off' Chants
