Having a shared history dating back to the intense Ryder Cup in Rome, Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay were paired together on Sunday at the U.S. Open.
Less than a year has passed since Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay’s confrontation at the Ryder Cup when they were paired together for the U.S. Open.
With a 69, McIlroy is four under for the week after navigating the treacherously challenging Pinehurst No. 2. In second place behind leader Bryson DeChambeau is the four-time major champion, along with Matthieu Pavon and Cantlay.
McIlroy and Cantlay will thus be paired together as they compete for supremacy around Pinehurst No. 2 on Sunday. Given that the rivals faced off at the Ryder Cup in Rome last year, fans are anticipating an exciting match.
After losing at Whistling Straits two years prior, McIlroy assisted Team Europe in winning an emotional 16.5–11.5 match at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy to reclaim the trophy. McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick played fourballs in Italy against Cantlay and Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion.
Cantlay and Clark’s victories in the final two holes kept Team USA’s hopes alive and helped them win the match 1-up. But following the finish of the match on the 18th green, McIlroy and Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, had a conversation.
When McIlroy was lining up a putt on the last hole of the match, LaCava—who had once caddied for Tiger Woods—seemed to stroll close to him, which displeased the Northern Irishman. This is what infuriated McIlroy, who told the Irish Independent that the fight carried into the parking lot. At best, my relationship with Cantlay is mediocre. We don’t see the world the same way and have very little in common.
“However, I attempted to calm the throng for him when I noticed he was receiving stick on the 17th and 18th greens. Furthermore, I don’t believe Fitz (Fitzpatrick) and I had the same chance to attempt to hole those putts in order to split the match.
“I shook hands with Patrick and Joe. His three putts on holes 16, 17, and 18 were outstanding, and they were big balls under pressure to give your team a chance to win on Sunday. Thus, he deserves respect.
“Fred Couples and Thomas Bjorn got into a little argument at the back of the 18th green, which is okay, but as I’m making my way back to the locker room, I feel like a red mist is approaching.” “No!” That wasn’t appropriate.
They’re attempting to diffuse the situation, but I get aggressive with them. When Joe LaCava caddied for Tiger, he was a nice guy; however, since he is now caddying for that —- (Cantlay), he has become a —-. I was still not in the best of moods.”
Cantlay gave a positive statement about his partnership with McIlroy on Saturday. Indeed, it should be fantastic, he told reporters. I have no idea where Bryson is finishing, but if I can finish second or T-second tomorrow, that puts me in a great position. It’s a challenging golf course.
“You can cover a lot of ground if you can make some birdies. I’m quite pleased with my performance today, and I’m excited for tomorrow.”
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