Patrick Cantlay laughs off Ryder Cup hat controversy as US star addresses money issue
Patrick Cantlay caused controversy during the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy through his lack of headgear, but the US player had a cap on when he spoke to the media before this week's competition
Patrick Cantlay will wear a Team USA hat and give his appearance money to charity at the Ryder Cup this week. The American claimed his hat did not fit in Rome and vehemently denied that he refused to wear the headgear because he was not being paid.
US stars and Keegan Bradley will all be given a $200,000 stipend, as well as a $300,000 donation to charity. Former captains Tom Watson and Tony Jacklin have opposed the payment - and European skipper Luke Donald claimed the New York crowd could turn on the home team over money.
US captain Bradley had already announced he will give all his money to charity - and Cantlay will follow his lead. “I think one of the great things about these team events for me is there's always such a big charitable component to it, and so I'm going to donate the money to my charity,” said the world No.22.
“We work with a number of foundations. We work with First Responders Children's Foundation and we work with the SCPGA Junior Tour and we've work with St. Jude and Folds of Honor, and so I'm excited about our continued partnership with those organisations.
READ MORE: Luke Donald likened to Ted Lasso by European Ryder Cup legendREAD MORE: Keegan Bradley defends Team USA ahead of controversial Ryder Cup first“I grew up playing Southern California junior golf on that SCPGA Junior Tour. That's where I learned to love to play competitive golf. If I can give back to organisations that have helped make me who I am today, hopefully someone growing up in Southern California gets that opportunity and can follow their dreams as well.”
And Cantlay, who wore the team cap during a Monday practice round and during his press conference yesterday, said: “Like I've said a million times, the hat didn't fit last year, and this year we worked with them to make sure we had one, and we got one, so we're good.”
The American was the target of European fans in Rome with the chant of “Hats off for your bank account” sung while waving their headgear.
But Cantlay, who will play his first home Ryder Cup, said: “I think the fans being so passionate and tribal this week has become such an integral part of this event. It's just to be expected at this point. I think it makes the event fun.”
Xander Schauffele, who will play for the first time in a month after the birth of his son Victor last month, also announced he will donate his $200,000 stipend. “There's a lot of pride that comes into playing in one of these, and yes, we're happy to get paid for this, and yes, I plan on donating it," he said. "It's something that selfishly will make me feel good about what I do."
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