REVEALED: Why Ryder Cup villain Patrick Cantlay was excused from team dinner

Patrick Cantlay was reportedly excused from a Team USA dinner before the Ryder Cup because he was struggling with neck pain.

Ben Smith

01 Oct 2023

REVEALED: Why Ryder Cup villain Patrick Cantlay was excused from team dinner — REVEALED: Why Ryder Cup villain Patrick Cantlay was excused from team…

Ryder Cup super villain Patrick Cantlay was reportedly excused from the gala dinner at the start of the week because of neck pain.

Per Todd Lewis, the pain in his neck has caused him trouble sleeping and so he was allowed by U.S. captain Zach Johnson to rest up.

Lewis further reports that it is folly to suggest there is a split in the Team USA locker room.

Sky Sports reported Cantlay believes players competing in the Ryder Cup deserve to be compensated and was not wearing a Team USA as a protest.

Cantlay refused to say 'yes or no' when later asked that question but suggested it was ridiculous that going hatless was a protest.

It didn't fit, Cantlay said, and he had planned not to wear one all week.

Paul McGinley blasts Joe LaCava as new video sheds light on Rory McIlroy clash

Cantlay was was goaded by thousands of European fans on day two of the 2023 Ryder Cup who waved their hats at the American.

When Cantlay sank the winning putt in his match with Wyndham Clark against Rory McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick it sparked ugly scenes that spilled into the car park.

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Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava 'crossed the line' according to McIlroy, who had to be bundled into a vehicle in front of his wife Erica Stoll by Shane Lowry after losing the match.

European captain Donald said he would talk to McIlroy before commenting further on the incident.

Lewis reported:

"Patrick Cantlay is not separated from Ryder Cup USA in team room. He also said this about Cantlay, 'He's not only committed he's a leader in our team.'" Johnson also said Cantlay was excused from the Wednesday night team dinner because neck pain prevented him from sleeping well this week and he needed rest.

"[Rickie] Fowler also missed dinner because of illness. Both players met the team prior to dinner for photos then went back to hotel. Cantlay did address the lack of hat issue saying it is not a protest instead he can't find one that fits. He did not take a definitive stance on whether players should be paid to play in the Ryder Cup."

Ryder Cup singles matches: