As Team Europe surged into a record-breaking lead during the Saturday afternoon of the Ryder Cup, the unfolding chaos and controversy caught everyone off guard. Despite entering the biennial contest as massive underdogs following a heavy loss at Whistling Straits two years earlier, Luke Donald's team, fuelled by an unbeaten opening day, managed to secure a seven-point lead over Team USA.
Rumours surfaced during the morning foursomes about internal disputes within Zach Johnson's team, promptly denied by the American camp. Additionally, speculations circulated about Patrick Cantlay not wearing a cap due to alleged payment issues. The so-called "hat gate" later played a role in one of the most heated moments in Ryder Cup history at Marco Simone GC.
"I'm not going to lie, Patrick (Cantlay) was getting a lot of stick on the golf course on Saturday afternoon about the hat and everything," revealed Rory McIlroy, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.
Despite the controversies, Cantlay's dramatic long-range birdie on the 18th green sparked wild celebrations from the American side. Caddie Joe LaCava's exuberant actions, including waving his cap in the air, led to a heated exchange with McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick, leaving a sour taste for the day's play.
Reflecting on the incident, Fitzpatrick described it as "very bizarre" and "unprofessional," emphasizing the negative impact on the overall atmosphere. However, some members of Team Europe, including Shane Lowry, believed that the controversy fired up their team and refocused them for the final day.
The Sunday singles saw Europe clinch victory with six points, ultimately prevailing 16.5-11.5. While some players acknowledged the controversy's role in adding drama to the event, others, like Jon Rahm, speculated that it provided Team USA with a spark and extra energy for the final day.
The aftermath revealed heated moments in the team room, with Lowry recalling shouting about his determination to win and McIlroy expressing regret for his angry outburst. Despite the tensions, Europe redeemed themselves, and McIlroy's outstanding performance earned him the title of Europe's top scorer with four points.
The journey from chaos and controversy to jubilation marked a remarkable chapter in Ryder Cup history, leaving players reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that defined their triumphant weekend in Rome.
