ROME — The U.S. Ryder Cup team took umbrage to suggestions they aren’t a tight-knit group.
When a report came out on Saturday claiming U.S. player Patrick Cantlay wasn’t wearing a team cap in protest that players aren’t paid to play in the Ryder Cup and that he was the cause of a “rift’’ inside the American team room, the U.S. players and captains pushed back.
On Sunday for the singles matches, some U.S. players used their heads to show their allegiance to Cantlay, who’d been ridiculed and chided by the European fans for going hatless, by showing up at the first tee hatless as well.
Two U.S. players, Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas, played their matches without wearing a hat.
The report of a rift caused by Cantlay was ripped by the U.S. side Saturday.
“This is one of the most united teams I have ever been associated with,’’ U.S. captain Zach Johnson said.
“We love each other, man,’’ Brian Harman said. “It’s been the most fun getting to hang out with these boys. Whatever happens tomorrow, I mean, love you boys.’’
“Love you too, Harm,’’ Cantlay responded.
“Think you’re putting too much into the hat,’’ Wyndham Clark chimed in.
“I think we are all just sick of Pat not wearing a hat,’’ Max Homa said, eliciting laughter.
Cantlay, who endured incessant mockery from fans, who waved their hats at him and chanted.
“I tried to enjoy it all day,’’ Cantlay said. “I tried to use it as energy, and I think we did that.’’
He did it to the tune of stealing the final point of the Saturday four-ball matches, thanks to birdies on the final three holes, to keep the Americans within striking distance Sunday.
“We’ve been on a mission all week,’’ Cantlay said. “We are going to be on a mission tomorrow.’’
