LIV Golf star Pat Perez’s wife Ashley has made headlines after expressing her desire to see Rory McIlroy get “punched in the face.” The comment comes in response to an altercation between McIlroy and Jim Mackay, also known as Bones, during the recent Ryder Cup.
Team Europe, captained by Luke Donald, emerged victorious with a 16½-11½ win over Team USA. However, tensions flared off the golf course, leading Ashley Perez to take to social media to voice her thoughts on McIlroy. She stated, “I can’t possibly be the only one that would absolutely love to watch Rory get punched in the face. I mean that in the nicest way possible… kinda.”
The incident in question involved McIlroy and his caddie, Harry Diamond, confronting Joe LaCava, Patrick Cantlay’s caddie, in the car park of Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. McIlroy was apparently unhappy with Cantlay and the American team’s behavior during the final four-ball match. Cantlay’s caddie mocked the hat-waving crowd by waving his own cap, which McIlroy found disrespectful as he prepared for his own putt.
Donald, providing clarification on the situation, stated that McIlroy politely asked LaCava to move aside, as he was in his line. However, LaCava stood his ground and continued waving his hat, which upset McIlroy.
This incident adds fuel to the fire, as McIlroy has been vocal about his views on LIV Golf. He believes that the competition needs the top golfers more than they need it. Pat Perez, who signed with LIV Golf in 2022 for a reported $10 million, is yet to secure a victory on the LIV Golf circuit. His best performance was a tie for sixth at LIV Golf London in July.
While tensions may run high in the world of professional golf, Ashley Perez’s comment demonstrates the passionate emotions that can emerge from both players and their loved ones. It serves as a reminder that the intensity of competition often extends beyond the playing field.
Overall, the Ryder Cup proved to be an eventful tournament with both thrilling golf and off-course drama. The comments made by Ashley Perez have certainly stirred up discussions and garnered attention in the golfing community.