How does Patrick Cantlay feel about Rory's 'd---' comment? Let him tell you...
Patrick Cantlay has claimed Rory McIlroy's comments in which he described the American as a 'd---' were taken out of context.
Patrick Cantlay has claimed Rory McIlroy's comments in which he described the American as a 'd---' were taken out of context.
Cantlay opened up on his relationship with McIlroy in a recent interview with GOLF in which he also claimed chatter he has maneuvered himself into a position of power on the PGA Tour's policy board is untrue.
McIlroy, 34, tore into Cantlay after the 2023 Ryder Cup in a joint interview with his European teammate Shane Lowry.
The Ulsterman was reflecting on the moment a row with Cantlay's caddie, Joe LaCava, spilled over into the car park at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
McIlroy had to be bundled into a back of a vehicle in front of his wife Erica Stoll by Lowry after the four-time major champion gave another caddie, Jim 'Bones' Mackay, a piece of his mind.
The four-time major champion was upset Cantlay's caddie continued to celebrate the American holing a bomb as he tried to line up a crucial putt on the last green.
As far as McIlroy was concerned, LaCava didn't afford the Ulsterman or his playing partner Matthew Fitzpatrick the same opportunity he had given Cantlay to hole his putt.
The red mist descended, McIlroy previously said, and the rest is history.
His team captain, Luke Donald, later told of how he 'loved' McIlroy's reaction.
"LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger and now he's caddying for that d---," McIlroy previously blasted. "He's turned into an arse."
McIlroy's comments were all the more interesting considering he had spent countless hours on the PGA's policy board with Cantlay before he abruptly resigned late last year.
Jordan Spieth has filled the seat vacated by McIlroy.
The PGA Tour's deal with the Saudi PIF has been delayed with hopes an agreement will be made before the Masters.
Asked about McIlroy, Cantlay told Dylan Dethier: "I think we're both highly competitive and we're both trying to be the absolute best.
"I think we both admire that part of each other. As far as the policy board goes, we've worked really closely together and had a really good working relationship over my year on the board.
"Look, I talked to him post-Ryder Cup and, y'know, everything was cordial and all good."
Pressed on McIlroy's 'd---' comment, he added: "Yeah, I saw that. I think it was taken out of context. And that's kind of the world we live in, where the headline drives the story."
Elsewhere, Cantlay also confirmed he has held talks with LIV Golf but for the time being cannot see himself anywhere other than the PGA Tour.
"I declined offers," he said. "Pre and post joining the board.
"And the most recent offer I got, I declined in the same meeting that my management team brought it to me."
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Ben joined GolfMagic as Content Executive in September 2021 just before the Ryder Cup and has contributed significantly to the growth of the site. Ben now assumes our Content Manager role, specialising in PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf content.
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