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Golf is known as a gentleman’s game, but Rory McIlroy’s feelings towards Patrick Cantlay certainly wouldn’t fit that criteria.
In a candid interview with Paul Kimmage of the Irish Independent, McIlroy called Cantlay a “d–k” and revealed details about a dustup that occurred at the Ryder Cup earlier this year.
The incident at the Ryder Cup, held at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, involved Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava.
LaCava wildly waved his cap on the 18th hole while McIlroy was lining up his shot in response to the European fans riding Cantay for not wearing the US team cap during the tournament.
It did not sit well with McIlroy, whose caddie said something to LaCava that later led to a confrontation in the parking lot.
“Here’s what angered me,” McIlroy said in the Irish Independent interview. “My relationship with Cantlay is average at best. We don’t have a ton in common and see the world quite differently.”
The footage of the parking lot incident quickly went viral as it showed McIlroy having to be restrained by teammate Shane Lowry after he crossed paths with several Americans, including Justin Thomas’ caddie, Jim “Bones’’ Mackay.
“And they’re trying to defuse the situation, but I start having a go at them,” McIlroy said. “‘Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger, and now he’s caddying for that d–k he’s turned into a … I still wasn’t in a great headspace.”
Europe ended up defeating the U.S. 16.5 – 11.5 to reclaim the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy said that golf star Tiger Woods had reached out and was trying to get in touch with Mcllroy after the incident.
“I sent him a quick message,” McIlroy added. “‘It will be fine … long day … just want to go to bed.’”
McIlroy acknowledged that it wasn’t his “finest moment.”
While McIlroy seemed ready to turn the page from the September incident, it doesn’t appear that McIlroy, Cantlay or LaCava will be sharing a beer anytime soon.
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