Rory McIlroy and caddy Joe LaCava had a disagreement on the 18th green on day two of the Ryder Cup and new details emerged from vice-captain Fred Couples.
Golf star Fred Couples has provided new details about the disagreement between Rory McIlroy and Joe LaCava at the Ryder Cup.
Team Europe reclaimed the prestigious trophy with a 16.5-11.5 victory over Team USA at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club last week. The tournament saw Europe win the trophy for the first time since Paris in 2018 and continue their unbeaten run at home since 1997. Saturday night’s four-ball match sees McIlroy team up with Matt Fitzpatrick and take on Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark of the United States. Team USA won 1 over Europe to give the team a slim chance of victory heading into the singles matches on Sunday.
McIlroy was not impressed with LaCava, who served as Cantlay’s caddy in Saturday’s four-ball match. LaCava was celebrating after Cantlay made a 35-foot putt for birdie, which irritated McIlroy, who was standing in the middle of the green lining up his putt.
McIlroy asked LaCava to move as he lined up his shot, but the American responded with an exchange of criticism. The disagreement continued in the parking lot after the match ended, where McIlroy was clearly still upset by what happened on the 18th green.
Now, Couples, who served as vice-captain to Team USA captain Zach Johnson, has provided new details about what was said between McIlroy and LaCava. The couples explained what McIlroy said to Cantlay’s caddy on green 18, and debated whether what happened was disrespectful.
This is the last match of the day. We were completely under attack. Now we have a chance to get half…has anyone done a Justin Leonard shot and run across the grass? » the couples said during an appearance on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio.
“I asked Joe LaCava what was said. He said Rory looked at him and said ‘Moooove’ and he made the ‘ooo’ sound a little longer,’ the Couple said. “Joe replied: ‘Relax Rory.’ Then everyone thought he had silenced Rory by making that hand gesture. Little Harry Diamond, who we all love, caddied for Rory, and then he came in. Joe said “I don’t have time for you.” Then Joe turned and walked away.
Shane Lowry and Thomas Bjorn were yelling at him, which was good. I have no problem with Shane Lowry or Thomas Bjorn, they protect their team’s number one player.
“Nobody did anything wrong, he [LaCava] didn’t hit him [McIlroy], he didn’t stand in front of him, that wouldn’t be a 15-yard penalty in college football for taunting.
“Is Joe right? Sure is not. [But] is there anyone who disrespects the European team?