Patrick Cantlay: A decisive Ryder Cup putter and a source of controversy

Patrick Cantlay, famous for his putting skills, has become the center of attention at the Ryder Cup, especially after a misunderstanding over his decision not to wear a cap. In a recent interview, he recalled a moment two years ago at Marco Simone, where he wondered why everyone was waving their caps. "I knew they were yelling at me," he said. "I didn't understand what they were saying, and I didn't find out about the fake media story until I was done playing."

The story Cantlay is referring to stemmed from a Sky Sports report that claimed his decision not to wear a cap was a protest against not being paid. “That’s the furthest thing from the truth,” he claimed. Despite the controversy, his performance was remarkable; in the final four-ball match, Cantlay made a 10-foot putt on the 16th, an 8-footer on the 17th, and a stunning 45-foot putt on the 18th, giving them the victory.

This performance has earned her the nickname "Patty Ice," highlighting her ability to stay calm under pressure. She has also demonstrated her skill in critical moments in the past, such as at the 2021 BMW Championship and the previous year's Presidents Cup, where she made decisive putts in difficult situations.

Presidents Cup captain Jim Furyk praised Cantlay, noting that he would be the choice of many to make a key putt. However, his emotional reaction is subtle; he often simply adjusts the brim of his cap, if he's wearing one. "The best way to engage the crowd at the Ryder Cup is to make birdies," he declared.

The Bethpage Black course presents a significant challenge, especially with the noise from the well-known energetic crowd. His coach, Jamie Mulligan, praised Cantlay's ability to focus, even in a noisy environment. "He grew up around tour players and learned to focus on the shot he's playing," Mulligan said.

Despite the controversy surrounding his cap, Cantlay appears to be more focused on his performance. This year, the U.S. team receives a stipend of $14,200,000, which has reignited the "pay-to-play" debate. The attention surrounding Cantlay doesn't seem to be waning, especially after his appearance wearing a cap on the first day of practice, fueling further speculation about his motives.

"I don't read or spend time on social media," confessed Cantlay, who prefers classic literature. Despite the criticism and media attention, he remains focused on his performance on the field. After three winless years, his selection as captain wasn't surprising, given his reputation in team play. "He cares deeply about winning a point," concluded Mulligan.