European stars Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick got into a violent dispute in the parking lot of Marco Simone Golf Club on Saturday after losing their Ryder Cup match to Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark on the 18th hole . Teammate Shane Lowry had to step in to break up the altercation.
In NBC footage, McIlroy can be seen yelling at a person while caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay is nearby. “This can’t happen,” yelled McIlroy. This is not possible. It’s an absolute embarrassment. American athlete Justin Thomas’ caddy is Mackay.
The American team’s jubilation on the 18th green most likely caused the conflict in the parking lot to escalate.
On Saturday, a British media article made the claim that the U.S. squad was disjointed and cited Cantlay as one of the causes due to his anger with American players not receiving compensation for their Ryder Cup participation. Cantlay refuted the claim that he wasn’t sporting a team-issued hat as a sign of protest.
Throughout the game on Saturday afternoon, many European supporters made fun of Cantlay by waving their caps at him. Cantlay defeated McIlroy and Fitzpatrick with the help of three straight birdies, including a 43-foot putt on the 18th hole to seal the victory.
Cantlay feigned to tip his cap to the fans after sinking the decisive putt. Other American athletes, caddies, and team members also waved to the spectators in Europe.
From the green, Cantlay’s caddy Joe LaCava waved his hat. LaCava was requested to make room for McIlroy as he lined up to putt. TV replays showed LaCava beginning to leave but turning around and spoke to McIlroy once more.
Donald claimed to not have observed the event in the parking lot on camera.
On the 18th hole, LaCava also had words with European golfers Shane Lowry and Justin Rose. At 5:59 a.m. ET, Rose, and Cantlay will square off in the third singles round.
Cantlay claimed he missed what occurred on the 18th green after the game.
U.S. team captain Zach Johnson said during a news conference that the situation was “diffused after the match,” and he was told “it’s good.”
LaCava moved from Tiger Woods’ bag to Cantlay’s in early May. He spent 20 years on Fred Couples’ bag and worked with Dustin Johnson for four years. Woods hired LaCava in 2011 after splitting with longtime caddie Steve Williams. LaCava helped Woods capture his last Masters victory in 2019.
