Golf Star Rory McIlroy Calls Patrick Cantlay a “D–k” in Candid Interview
Golf, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, witnessed a heated exchange between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay at this year’s Ryder Cup. In an exclusive interview with Paul Kimmage of the Irish Independent, McIlroy didn’t hold back his feelings towards Cantlay, labeling him a derogatory term.
The Incident at the Ryder Cup
The incident took place at the prestigious Ryder Cup held at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. It involved Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, who wildly waved his cap on the 18th hole while McIlroy was preparing to take his shot. This gesture was in response to European fans taunting Cantlay for not wearing the US team cap during the tournament.
McIlroy, visibly upset by the provocation, had a confrontation with LaCava in the parking lot after his caddie exchanged words with him. Reflecting on the incident, McIlroy expressed his frustration, stating, “Here’s what angered me. My relationship with Cantlay is average at best. We don’t have a ton in common and see the world quite differently.”
A Viral Parking Lot Incident
The confrontation between McIlroy and LaCava escalated quickly, with footage of the incident going viral. The video showed McIlroy being restrained by his teammate Shane Lowry as he crossed paths with several Americans, including Justin Thomas’ caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay.
Recalling the heated moment, McIlroy admitted, “They were trying to defuse the situation, but I couldn’t hold back. Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger, and now he’s caddying for that d–k. I still wasn’t in a great headspace.”
Europe Triumphs at the Ryder Cup
Despite the tensions, Europe emerged victorious at the Ryder Cup, defeating the U.S. with a score of 16.5 – 11.5. The triumph marked a significant moment for the European team, reclaiming the prestigious trophy.
Tiger Woods Reaches Out
Following the incident, golf legend Tiger Woods reached out to McIlroy, attempting to get in touch with him. McIlroy revealed, “I sent him a quick message, saying ‘It will be fine… long day… just want to go to bed.'” The support from Woods was appreciated by McIlroy during a challenging time.
Acknowledging a Lapse in Judgment
McIlroy acknowledged that the incident was not his finest moment. While he seemed ready to move on from the September altercation, it appears that McIlroy, Cantlay, and LaCava won’t be sharing a friendly drink anytime soon.