The 2023 Ryder Cup has come to a close, and while the Europeans celebrated their victory, there was another story that captured the attention of many: Patrick Cantlay’s hat, or rather, the absence of it. Rumors circulated that Cantlay’s decision to not wear a hat was a form of protest, and team vice captain Jim Furyk has finally weighed in on the situation.
The attention towards Cantlay’s hatless head came to light on Saturday when the U.S. team was already trailing in the biennial event. Jamie Weir of Sky Sports, known for being a journalist, created the drama by reporting that the U.S. team room was “fractured” and that Cantlay was protesting against players not being paid to play in the Ryder Cup. He also claimed that Cantlay didn’t attend the gala dinner earlier in the week.
However, Weir conveniently neglected to mention that Cantlay had not worn a hat during the 2021 Ryder Cup. He also ignored photo evidence that showed Cantlay at the gala. It seemed like these reports were blown out of proportion and lacked credibility.
Cantlay addressed Weir’s report after the day’s play, explaining that the team-issued hats simply don’t fit his head. Furyk echoed this explanation and shared his support for Cantlay. He mentioned the support Cantlay received from his teammates, with many raising their hats in solidarity, even though Cantlay was facing criticism from the media and fans.
Furyk also added a lighthearted remark, stating that Cantlay had a big head, making it hard to find a hat that fits him properly. This comment shows the camaraderie within the U.S. team and dispels any notions of discord or animosity.
Aside from the Cantlay hat controversy, there have been reports of potential controversy involving Xander Schauffele. According to Schauffele’s father, his son was nearly kicked off the team due to a contract dispute involving Netflix. These rumors, however, were also denied by Furyk, who clarified that there was no split in the U.S. team room throughout the week in Rome.
Furyk emphasized that the 12 U.S. team members bonded well and supported each other. While they may be disappointed that they couldn’t bring the cup back to the United States, Furyk attested to the positive atmosphere within the team and expressed his satisfaction with their camaraderie.
In the end, the 2023 Ryder Cup will be remembered for more than just the Europeans’ victory. The Cantlay hat controversy and rumors surrounding Schauffele added some unexpected drama to the event. Despite these distractions, Furyk’s comments confirm that the U.S. team remained tight-knit and united throughout the tournament.