Furious Rory McIlroy involved in carpark row with US backroom member after Ryder Cup defeat
Rory McIlroy had to be restrained after getting involved a heated exchange following the second day’s play at the Ryder Cup in Rome.
The world number two was pushed into a car as Europe team-mate Shane Lowry attempted to defuse what appeared to be an argument outside the clubhouse.
Pictures of the confrontation emerged after a fiery conclusion to Saturday’s fourballs session in which McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick were beaten on the final green by American pair Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark.
McIlroy apppeared to take exception at the time to the American team’s celebrations after Cantlay holed a lengthy putt.
Both McIlroy and Fitzpatrick still had putts remaining that could have tied the match.
Arguments reportedly ensued between McIlroy and Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava, with the watching Lowry also becoming involved. It is thought McIlroy may have been upset that LaCava stepped across the line of a European putt as he waved his cap in reference to Cantlay’s hatless appearance.
Reports had emerged during the day that Cantlay was not wearing a team hat in protest at not being paid to appear, something he later denied.
After the match McIlroy said the incident would merely add motivation to his desire to succeed on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman said: “Obviously they had a great finish and Patrick made three great putts at the end to seal the deal, so hats off to them.
“They played a great match, yes, a few scenes there on 18 and just fuel for the fire tomorrow.”
It appears the arguments resumed as the players left the course, however, with TV pictures showing McIlroy angrily pointing his finger at somebody out of shot.
Lowry then steps in to usher McIlroy towards a waiting car.
Cantlay was asked about what occurred beside the 18th green after the match but gave little information.
“He is the best,” he said of LaCava. “That is all there is to say.”
Europe will enter the final day leading 10.5-5.5.
11 Comments
From an European,
It Was ok for Europeans to be taking the piss last two days rising the crowd deliberately in front of opponents faces..
let's face it Rorys not the main man anymore on the golf course & always has to much to say especially when it comes to LIV….I will be backing against Rory again tomorrow in singles, he's an ass hole.
Poor form by Joe le Cava. The US are experts at trying tricks like this. I don't think there's enough tricks in that bag to to win. Once momentum swings to Europe tmrw then it will be a landslide…then it's about by how many and gow fast they win !!
Rory was right.The USA team will try any tactics to throw Europe off track,even using thier caddies for dirty work.This is not golf,its becoming personal now.
Unfortunately for Golf and sport in general the Yanks aren’t very good and gracious losers. They have to resort to dirty tactics.
They have a habit of celebrating and running all over the Europeans line of put in this and precious Ryder Cups.
Loving watching them getting destroyed this year. Olé Olé Olé Olé…
AI voice…maybe a 4 outta 10.
What a joke! STILL cracks me up that in a professional sport NObody is supposed to move or make a sound, because it just might mess somebody’s game up.😂😂😂😂
Play a REAL sport for crying out loud. Not one you have to put your wittle biddy ball on a tee & not take a swing until everybody in the world is silent for you🤣🤣
GOLF IS A JOKE.
Fecking bag carrier should know his place.
Completely support Rory, Americans have no class
Rory is a cry baby because Patrick C Birdie, the last 3 holes in their match and kick Rory's a**
Rory needs kick up the ass just get on with it win your singles tomorrow Rory what great player you are ⛳🍺👍
This is not true, Rory got the hump because that idiot American caddy was stepping across and waving his hat like a dick when Rory was preparing.
Bad sportsmanship .