Patrick Cantlay responds to Ryder Cup accusations as drama continues

Patrick Cantlay has dismissed reports he has caused a fraction in the USA team room over his beliefs players should be paid to play in the Ryder Cup.

Sky Sports reported on Saturday morning that Cantlay had caused a split among his compatriots over the money issue, and that he was not wearing the team hat out of protest.

And when asked in a press conference after he and Wyndham Clark beat Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick in the final match of the day about whether players should benefit financially for competing in the biennial event, his answer was largely inconclusive.

“It’s not about that,” he said, referring to money. “It’s just about Team USA and representing our country.”

When pushed, he replied: “That’s all I’ve got to say about that.”

Brian Harman, who was part of the same media conference, was asked if he was involved in the divide.

“Y’all just don’t quit, do ya?” he said. “We love each other, man. It’s been the most fun getting to hang out with these boys. Whatever happens tomorrow, I mean, love you boys.”

Cantlay replied: “Love you too, Harm.”

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When the subject shifted from money to the hat situation, Cantlay said: “It doesn’t fit. It didn’t fit at Whistling Straits, and it didn’t fit this week. Everyone knows that.”

When asked why he didn’t wear it in the team photo at the start of the week, he replied: “I was going to go no hat all week regardless, so I figured would I keep it consistent.”

Wyndham Clark then piped up. “[I] think you’re putting too much into the hat,” he said.

Then Harman, referring to the Sky reporter’s original tweet, said: “They said it on Twitter, though, so it has to be.”

And Cantlay joked: “If it’s on Twitter, it’s true. Verified.”

The drama led to Cantlay being jeered by the European fans all day, with many removing their headwear and chanting “Hats off for your bank account!” at the American.

It then led to a rather angry altercation between Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, and Rory McIlroy, with the bagman accused of over-celebrating his man’s birdie at the 18th.

Listen to our thoughts on the Patrick Cantlay drama at the Ryder Cup on The bunkered Podcast.