It appears that Rory McIlroy is still carrying the grudge from his altercation with Patrick Cantlay that occurred at the Ryder Cup over a month ago.
In an interview with the Irish Independent that was published over the weekend, McIlory—who is currently ranked second in the world—discussed the thrilling final two days of the competition. There was an altercation on the 18th hole and a heated discussion in the parking lot that followed.
During his interview with Paul Kimmage, McIlroy expressed his unfiltered thoughts about Cantlay and mentioned that Tiger Woods contacted him following the incident. Woods and Cantlay are both represented by the same agency, and Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, was a longtime caddie for Woods and the main source of drama.
McIlroy admitted to Kimmage, “My relationship with Cantlay is average at best.” “Our worldviews are very different and we don’t share a lot of similarities.”
Video from the parking lot confrontation showed McIlroy being handcuffed by colleague Shane Lowry following his encounter with multiple Americans, including Jim Mackay, Justin Thomas’ caddie.
McIlory said the other participants in the exchange tried to defuse the situation.
“However, I begin to take aim at them,” McIlroy said to Kimmage. “I still wasn’t in the best of moods. Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he caddied for Tiger, and now he’s caddying for that d*** he’s turned into.”
McIlory went on to say that he regretted the explosion, particularly because Mackay’s wife was there.
“I just tripped, and [Mackay’s] wearing an American top, and I know he’s friends with Joe,” McIlroy remarked. “Total fury.”
By email, Newsweek contacted Cantlay’s representatives to inquire about McIlroy’s interview and his thoughts on the divergences between the two players’ opinions.
According to McIlroy, his response to Woods was a quick message: “It will be fine…long day…just want to go to bed.”
Why Was McIlroy So Upset With Cantlay?
The background is as follows: Cantlay chose not to wear a hat during the Ryder Cup. Cantlay was reportedly protesting the competition’s underpayment of players, according to a SkySports report. However, Cantlay’s agent told the outlet the hat just didn’t fit right.
Throughout the Ryder Cup, European supporters teased Cantlay by waving hats in his direction. After Cantlay made a difficult putt on the eighteenth hole to preserve American hopes, his teammates and caddie LaCava celebrated by waving their hats at him.
LaCava, however, waved his own hat on the 18th green in McIlroy’s line of vision.
McIlroy was not amused by the diversion. As the golfer lined up his putt, LaCava shot back a growl and waved his arm.
Later, Euro captain Luke Donald told reporters, “I spoke with Rory.” “He asked Joe to step aside with grace. He was looking straight at him. I believe Rory was upset because he stood there for a while without moving and kept waving the hat.”
That led to a shouting match.
McIlroy reportedly shouted, “This can’t happen. This can’t happen. That’s a disgrace.”
Europe, of course, got the last laugh when it defeated the United States to claim the Cup. McIlroy was asked about the drama after the event wrapped up.
“I didn’t let it take away from what’s been a fantastic week,” he said. “I think what transpired on that last green gave us a fire in the belly to get the job done.”
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