European Ryder Cup fans have been seen mocking Team USA’s Patrick Cantlay in their thousands after his reported refusal to wear a cap. The dispute comes after claims that the American golfer, who has 14 top-20 finishes this year, is protesting against not being paid to play at the tournament.

Cantlay’s apparent refusal to wear the Team USA hat during this year’s tournament comes after Sky Sports reported that the American believes players should be paid to participate. Traditionally, players have never been financially rewarded to take part.

The money, which is generated through sponsorships and TV rights, instead goes to charity. The PGA of America awards each player on the 12-man team £164,000 after the tournament. Half of the proceeds are then donated to a nominated organization, with the remaining £81,000 given to a charity of the player’s choice.

But Cantlay reportedly believes this should no longer be the case and has shown his displeasure by refusing to wear a team cap during the Saturday foursomes. The decision is something which Team Europe fans have been quick to mock.

Spectators are waving hats in response to allegations Patrick Cantlay won’t wear a hat because he’s not getting paid to play.

During Cantlay and Wyndham Clark’s fourball match on the 10th hole against Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick, fans removed their caps and waved them around. Chants of “Hats off for your bank account” were heard being sung. This was followed by a chorus of “Cantlay, where’s your cap? Cantlay, Cantlay where’s your cap?”

Cantlay did wear a hat during last year’s Presidents Cup and other PGA Tour events where players are paid this year. The American, who is the only player not to wear a cap, has since responded to claims, saying: “It just doesn’t fit. It’s as simple as that. I didn’t wear it at Whistling Straits because the hat just doesn’t fit so that’s all there is.”

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Adding further fuel to the fire, there have been reports of a rift within Zach Johnson’s USA team. Sky’s report went on to claim that the former FedExCup champion had ‘refused to attend the gala dinner earlier in the week’ leading to Xander Schauffele sitting away from his close friend in the dressing room.

The drama will not help the team’s cause who are currently suffering a heavy defeat to Europe – who have a five-point lead going into the final day.

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