Daggers
Ryder Cup 2023: Patrick Cantlay's 18th-hole birdie celebration was an instant classic
Jamie Squire
What an absolutely electric finish to Day 2 of the Ryder Cup. And we owe it all to Patrick Cantlay.
First off, he's the subject of that nasty rumor going around that he's causing a "FRACTURED" and "SPLIT" American team, and that he's not wearing the team hat (Insert your Seinfeld "Who won't wear the ribbon?!" joke here) out of protest for not being paid to play in the biennial event. For the record, like Rory McIlroy has said in previous years, Cantlay claims he's going hatless simply because "the hat just doesn't fit."
Anyway, that's just the backdrop for what happened and you'll probably hear and read a million takes about all that. What we want to concentrate on is how it all culminated with Cantlay, playing with Wyndham Clark in a Saturday afternoon fourball, birdieing the final three holes to absolutely steal a point away from McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick.
NBC focused on Team USA leaning into the situation by waving their hats at him—much like European fans did to heckle him all day—but it was Cantlay's celebration that was an instant classic in our eyes. The eight-time PGA Tour winner tipped his cap to the crowd—despite the fact that he wasn't wearing a cap. Have a look:
Jamie Squire
Well played, Patrick. And a tip of the cap to you for that one. And for those clutch putts. And for somehow making this thing at least somewhat interesting heading into Sunday singles. And if Team USA doesn't all show up hatless on the first tee in solidarity, what are we even doing here?