Rory McIlroy made feelings clear on Patrick Cantlay ahead of awkward US Open reunion

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay: The Tension-Filled U.S. Open Pairing

In a highly anticipated and potentially tense pairing, Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay will face off in the final round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. This matchup brings back memories of their heated encounter during last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome.

McIlroy, after navigating the difficult Pinehurst course to card a 69, is tied for second place at four-under for the week. He shares this position with Matthieu Pavon and Cantlay, trailing leader Bryson DeChambeau. This sets the stage for a gripping Sunday showdown as McIlroy and Cantlay battle for the championship.

The pairing is not just a contest of skill but also a renewal of rivalry. During the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, McIlroy and Cantlay faced off in a high-stakes fourball match. McIlroy, partnered with Matt Fitzpatrick, encountered a fierce contest against Cantlay and Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion. The American duo clinched victory by winning the final two holes, a triumph that fueled U.S. hopes.

The tension boiled over on the 18th green, where McIlroy had an intense exchange with Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava. LaCava, previously known for his work with Tiger Woods, appeared to distract McIlroy as he lined up a critical putt. The confrontation spilled into the car park, leaving a lasting impression on McIlroy.

Reflecting on the incident, McIlroy told the Irish Independent, “My relationship with Cantlay is average at best. We don’t have a tonne in common and see the world quite differently. But when I saw he was getting stick on the 17th and 18th greens, I tried to quiet the crowd for him. And I don’t think Fitz and I were afforded the same opportunity to try and hole those putts to halve the match.”

McIlroy continued, expressing his frustration with LaCava’s behavior. “Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger, and now he’s caddying for that —- (Cantlay) he’s turned into an —-. I still wasn’t in a great headspace.”

Despite the past tensions, Cantlay remains focused and positive about the pairing with McIlroy. He remarked, “Yeah, should be great. I don’t know what Bryson is finishing up at, but to be in second or T-second, I’m in a great spot come tomorrow. It’s a golf course that’s a challenge. If you can make some birdies, you can gain a lot of ground. I’m really happy with how I played today, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

As the final round unfolds, all eyes will be on McIlroy and Cantlay. Will their past clashes add fuel to their competitive fire, or will they manage to put history aside in pursuit of U.S. Open glory? The stage is set for an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.