At the 2024 US Open, Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay are paired together in the penultimate group for the first time since their infamous incident at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
The ‘Hat Gate’ incident occurred during the second day of the famous team event and, since then, there has still been friction between both McIlroy and Cantlay, which gives the pairing that little more spice at Pinehurst No.2.
We have timelined what actually happened between McIlroy and Cantlay, as the duo tee off on Sunday at 2:10pm ET (7:10pm BST) at the US Open.
30th September 2023 – Morning
A report by Sky Sports states that there is a fracture in the US Ryder Cup camp driven by a desire from certain players to be paid, with Cantlay refusing to wear a Team USA cap.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Weir reported that the American wasn’t wearing a cap to “demonstrate his frustration” at not being paid, but the journalist then later reported that Cantlay’s agent told him it was because he couldn’t find a fit he was comfortable with.
30th September 2023 – Afternoon
After hours of ridicule, including European supporters waving their caps at Marco Simone, Cantlay and Wyndham Clark defeat McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick in the Saturday afternoon fourballs session, with Cantlay holing some incredible putts down the stretch for the victory.
Having a putt to halve the match, McIlroy voices anger towards Cantlay’s caddie, LaCava, who seems to continue celebrating for too long. McIlroy misses his birdie putt and, in the aftermath, European player, Shane Lowry, and LaCava are split up by the representative parties.
It’s not done there, though, as McIlroy is then seen arguing in the parking lot, this time with Justin Thomas‘ caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay. Eventually, McIlroy is put into his car by Lowry, as they all leave the golf course.
LaCava and Team Europe on the Saturday of the 2023 Ryder Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
1st October 2023
Following the incident on Saturday evening, McIlroy apologizes to Mackay for his outburst, whilst LaCava reportedly apologizes to McIlroy, with Rory later stating LaCava had texted him to clear the air.
Eventually, Europe went on to win the Ryder Cup 16.5 – 11.5, with Cantlay claiming a 2&1 victory, whilst McIlroy was Europe’s top point scorer in the event after dismantling Sam Burns 3&1 on Sunday….
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