Patrick Cantlay was at the centre of ‘hat-gate’ during the Ryder Cup last month, but the world No. 9 will be hoping for a quieter week at the Presidents Cup in Montreal
Patrick Cantlay will be hoping for a less eventful time at this week’s Presidents Cup, compared to that of his experience at last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome.
Cantlay found himself in the midst of controversy whilst representing his nation at Marco Somine, in an infamous incident that has since been named ‘hat-gate’. The former FedEx Cup champion chose to compete without a Team USA cap in Rome, sparking rumours that it was a form of protest.
On the second day of the event in the Italian capital, Sky Sports reported that Cantlay had caused a rift within the US camp, allegedly unhappy about not receiving payment for representing his country.
This was reportedly behind his decision to compete without headgear, a move quickly noticed and mocked by European fans on the second day after the report circulated around the course. Per PGA of America rules, there is some sort of payment towards those who compete.
At the Ryder Cup, players receive $200,000 to donate to a charity of their choice, while 20 percent of the Ryder Cup media rights are given to the PGA Tour and added to the players’ pension funds. Following the drama, Cantlay was questioned about whether players should be paid to represent Team USA at the Ryder Cup in Italy.
“It’s not about that. It’s just about Team USA and representing our country,” Cantlay said when questioned at the time. Pushed further, he stated: “That’s all I’ve got to say about that.” The conversation then shifted to his choice of playing without a cap, which he attributed to sizing issues with the team headwear.
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“The hat doesn’t fit. It didn’t fit at Whistling Straits [in 2021] and didn’t fit this week. Everyone knows that.” But it seems the cap conundrum has been resolved for the 32-year-old Cantlay, who has been spotted sporting a cap during the run-up to this week’s Presidents Cup in Montreal.
Once again though, Cantlay won’t be pocketing any winnings from the Presidents Cup, where no player payments are handed out to those who compete. According to the tournament’s website: “The Presidents Cup is a unique golf event in that there is no purse or prize money.”
“Players are not paid for their participation, but each competitor allocates an equal portion of the funds generated to charities of his choice. Since the inception of the Presidents Cup in 1994, more than $56.4 million has been raised for charity. Over the past 25 years, the Presidents Cup has benefited over 475 charities in 18 countries worldwide.”
