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Europe WIN Ryder Cup Over U.S. on Dramatic Day in Rome
Ryder Cup: Europe Edge Closer to Win Over US as Rory McIlroy Angry With Patrick Cantlays' Caddie
New Footage Shows Why Rory McIlroy Got So Angry With USA Caddie Joe LaCava at Ryder Cup
A new camera angle shows LaCava walking on McIlroys' line as he surveyed the putt - and subsequently being told to move by the stunned Europe star. Nasty LaCava wouldnt budge
BBC 1 OCT 2023
New footage shows why Rory McIlroy got Frustrated with USA caddie Joe LaCava at Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy had to be restrained by European Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry after an acrimonious end to the Saturday fourballs.
The row sparked into life when McIlroy took umbrage with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCavas’ cap-waving celebrations following Cantlay’s birdie putt on the 18th of the final match on Saturday.
McIlroy and playing partner Matt Fitzpatrick had both yet to attempt their birdie putts, and the row continued after the US won, with loud boos from the crowd.
The incident later spilled out into a car park with McIlroy filmed pointing and remonstrating angrily with someone out of shot, and having to be held back by Lowry.
European captain Luke Donald, who was not present at the time of the latter incident, said he would speak to his player in the aftermath of the spat.
He said: “I’ll talk with Rory when I get back. I didn’t see the incident personally, I saw the one on 18. I wasn’t there personally in the car park but, when I get back, I will talk with him.”
Donald was on the 18th at the time of the initial row on a day where Cantlay had been barracked by fans for much of his two rounds.
Reports had emerged that the American had refused to wear a hat in a row over the players not being played but he laughed it off and insisted he wasn’t wearing it simply because it did not fit.
When Cantlay sunk what proved a winning putt in the four and final fourballs, LaCava waved his hat to the crowd to the annoyance of McIlroy and the crowds on 18.
Of that incident, Donald added: “Listen, we’re all competitors. We all want to win but we want to do it in the right way. From what Rory told me, he did ask Joe to move.
“He took a long time to move. It was a little off putting because he still had to putt. And so Rory got upset and I understand that. We love this event because of the passion but we want to do it the right. Rory left like the line was crossed on the 18th green.
Teammates Shane Lowry and Justin Rose also confronted the caddie at the back of the 18th green after the incident.
At the time, some thought the Europeans were just bitter after losing a decisive match to a player who the crowd had singled out all day.
LaCava, who is famous for being on Tiger Woods’ bag, took his hat off and swirled it around when Cantlay made a decisive putt on 18 in the crucial last four-ball match.
The Americans were hitting back at the home crowd, who had mocked Cantlay all day amid reports he is refusing to wear a USA cap in protest over lack of pay at the Ryder Cup.
However, McIlroy still had a putt to tie the match, and LaCava got a little too close to the Northern Irishman during his celebrations.
It is poor etiquette to stand on a player’s putting line at a local public course, but experienced and legendary caddie LaCava appeared to stand on McIlroy’s at a pivotal moment in golf’s biggest team event.
Cantlay produced three brilliant birdies at the 16th, 17th and 18th to flip the match and give USA a glimmer of hope in Rome.
However, it has quickly become clear McIlroy was angry for a more valid reason.
Speaking afterwards, captain Luke Donald said: “Rory politely asked Joe to move aside. He was in his line.
"He stood there and didn’t move and continued to wave his hat. So I think Rory was upset about that.”
Despite Cantlays' late show, US still require the largest comeback in Ryder Cup history in Sunday Singles to retain the trophy.
Europe, meanwhile, will win with four points from the remaining 12 matches.
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