Patrick Cantlay slams ‘media narrative’ in Ryder Cup row

Patrick Cantlay has refused to make his stance clear on whether US players should be paid to play in the Ryder Cup.

The 32-year-old was at the heart of last year’s controversy, when he was accused of not wearing a US cap in protest at the lack of financial reward.

It’s since developed into the real possibility that Keegan Bradley’s players will earn $400,000 each for competing in the biennial contest.

While reports are unconfirmed, the Telegraph reported last month that the decision to share almost £4 million is likely to be ratified at board level.

But Cantlay left any money talk at the door on Thursday, when asked for his take on the Ryder Cup.

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“My thoughts on the Ryder Cup are really simple,” he said. “I’m there to represent my country and I’m there to win points for my team-mates and that’s it.”

Meanwhile, Cantlay insisted that his part in fuelling the debate is inaccurate.

“I think that’s a media narrative and I’m not going to fall into that,” he added.

Several other US players, who teed it up at Marco Simone last September, have weighed in on the debate this week.

Justin Thomas, one of Cantlay’s teammates, addressed the elephant in the room on Tuesday and called it a ‘touchy subject’.

“I don’t think you need to,” he said, when asked if players should be paid. “I understand, it’s a weird, a touchy subject and you’re kind of damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

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Both will be likely to feature at Bethpage Black next year and will play under captain Bradley – who was a left field appointment for the role.

Also speaking at the Hero World Challenge earlier this week, Bradley said he was ‘disappointed’ that the rumours were leaked.

“To be honest with you, there’s not much to talk about; these leaks that came out were leaks,” he said.

“I was shocked to see the leaks, as was the PGA of America. As was everybody involved. There’s been nothing that’s been finalised, done. This is all speculation at this point.

“I was definitely disappointed that someone leaked out that information. That was a shock, for sure.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.