Rory McIlroy calls Patrick Cantlay a ‘d–k’ after Ryder Cup drama

By Christian Arnold

Golf has long been regarded as a gentleman’s game, but Rory McIlroy’s recent conflict with Patrick Cantlay has certainly put that reputation to the test.

In a revealing interview with Paul Kimmage of the Irish Independent, McIlroy openly referred to Cantlay using a derogatory term and disclosed unsettling details about their altercation at the recent Ryder Cup.

The incident, which took place at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, involved Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, provocatively gesturing on the 18th hole while McIlroy was preparing to take his shot. This was in response to the European fans taunting Cantlay for not wearing the US team cap during the tournament, and it clearly did not sit well with McIlroy. This led to an intense confrontation involving McIlroy’s caddie and LaCava in the parking lot.

“Here’s what angered me,” McIlroy explained 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 situation escalated further as footage of the parking lot dispute quickly went viral, showing McIlroy being restrained by teammate Shane Lowry. McIlroy openly admitted to engaging in a heated verbal exchange with several Americans, including Justin Thomas’ caddie, Jim “Bones” Mackay.

Despite the European victory over the U.S. in the Ryder Cup, tensions between McIlroy, Cantlay, and LaCava have remained unresolved. McIlroy also shared that golf star Tiger Woods reached out to him after the incident. McIlroy stated, “I sent him a quick message, ‘It will be fine … long day … just want to go to bed.’”

Reflecting on the incident, McIlroy admitted that it wasn’t his “finest moment,” indicating a readiness to move on from the September turmoil. However, it seems reconciliation between the parties involved may not be on the horizon in the near future.

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