THE man at the centre of USA’s Ryder Cup pay row revealed he will give all his fee to charity anyway.
Patrick Cantlay was the pantomime villain in Rome two years ago when he refused to wear the US cap – earning him the nickname ‘No Hat Pat’.
Patrick Cantlay says he didn’t wear a cap at the 2023 Ryder Cup because it wouldn’t fit[/caption]
Cantlay, 33, insisted the reason behind his lack of headgear was because no cap fitted – while there were also suggestions he didn’t want a tan line before his wedding.
But much of the talk was whether it was an act of rebellion because the USA players were not being paid to play in the Ryder Cup.
That has changed this year, though, with the PGA of America giving their 12 stars a $200,000 (£148,000) stipend on top of $300,000 which goes directly to charity.
But Cantlay, making his third Ryder Cup appearance, confirmed he has no plans to pocket the cash.
Pointedly wearing a USA cap as he faced the media, the eight-time PGA Tour winner said: “Like I’ve said a million times, the hat didn’t fit last time, and this year we worked with them to make sure we had one, and we got one, so we’re good.
“One of the great things about these team events for me is there’s always such a big charitable component to it, and so I’m going to donate the money to my charity.
“We work with a number of foundations – First Responders Children’s Foundation, SCPGA Junior Tour, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Folds of Honor – so I’m excited about our continued partnership with those organisations.
“The SCPGA Junior Tour is where I learned to love to play competitive golf.
“If I can give back to organisations that have helped make me who I am today.
“Hopefully someone growing up in Southern California gets that opportunity and can follow their dreams as well.”
Captain Keegan Bradley said he is giving all his money from the event to charity but confessed it is a “personal decision” for each member of the team.
Former Open champion Xander Schauffele announced he will follow suit while world No1 Scottie Scheffler hinted he would do the same.
Xander Schauffele is donating his Ryder Cup paycheck to charity[/caption]
