Ryder Cup: Watch Justin Thomas taunt European fans by tipping imaginary cap to celebrate birdie putt amid furor over Patrick Cantlay’s caddie
- Ryder Cup LIVE: Follow all the Sunday singles as Europe chases victory in Rome
- Justin Thomas chose not to wear a hat during his match against Sepp Straka
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Justin Thomas poured fuel on the fire early on in Sunday’s Ryder Cup singles matches, by doffing an imaginary cap to European fans as tensions flared in Rome.
Thomas, a contentious captain’s pick, rolled in a brilliant birdie putt to tie the fourth hole in his match against Sepp Straka.
The American then tipped his ‘hat’ to European fans, who booed him as he left the green. Thomas responded by cupping his ear.
He was among the USA players who had chosen to go without a cap on Sunday.
It comes after Rory McIlroy refused to acknowledge the ‘cheating caddie’ who sparked a major row at the Ryder Cup on Saturday after standing in his eyeline waving his cap ahead of a crucial putt as he headed out onto the green today.
Justin Thomas doffed an imaginary cap to European fans as tensions flared at the Ryder Cup
It comes after a dispute between Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava (right) and Rory McIlroy after he stood waving a cap in the golfer’s eyeline
The final day of the tournament sees the US team embroiled in a scandal amid cheating allegations after the row – which continued into the club’s car park late last night – and an incident in which Thomas appeared to ‘kick’ his ball.
Footage seemed to show the former world No 1 kicking his ball while stuck in the rough during the sixth hole of Saturday’s fourballs.
The dispute involving McIlroy centered around Patrick Cantlay’s caddie LaCava – who has 36 years of caddying experience – and an exuberant celebration which saw him refuse to move out the way for some time, before launching into an angry tirade at the opposition player.
US players turned European fans’ taunting over Cantlay not wearing a hat into their own celebration.
Reports suggest the world No 5 has not been wearing a cap in protest at players not being paid to play in the tournament.
In searing sunshine at Rome’s Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Cantlay and three other USA stars have decided against donning caps.
Thomas opted not to wear one before appearing to play on the drama surrounding McIlroy and Cantlay’s caddie by tipping an imaginary hat.
Cantlay had been taunted by European fans over his decision not to wear a cap, which reports suggested was a protest over players not being paid
McIlroy launched into a livid rant at someone while leaving Marco Simone Saturday
Thomas then poured fuel on the fire by tipping an imaginary hat at the tournament
Xander Schauffele – who Sky Sports claim is sitting with Cantlay in a separate area of the American locker room amid a split in the camp – and Colin Marakawa were also not wearing caps on Sunday.
The United States have refused to comment on whether Cantlay’s move is a protest towards players not being paid at the Ryder Cup or not.
But the Californian, who also chose not to wear a cap at the last tournament in 2021, denied the reports following Saturday’s fourballs.
‘The hat doesn’t fit,’ Cantlay said. ‘It didn’t fit at Whistling Straits, and didn’t fit this week. Everyone knows that.’
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