No one knows a golfer’s hardships better than a fellow golfer. And when it comes to Rory McIlroy, the hardships are definitely in plenty. Be it unwanted attention, the pain of narrow losses, or even losing out on a major by just a stroke, McIlroy has been through a lot this year alone. And his rival and friend Brian Harman knows that.

Hence, when Northern Irishman was set to play at Royal Troon, Harman, in the pre-tournament presser, said, “I can’t imagine being Rory. Rory would have trouble going out to eat somewhere. Yeah, that’s a part of this gig that’s probably been the hardest adjustment is not having enough of your own time, I guess you could say, to where it’s hard to escape it sometimes.” That empathy he felt last month however was short-lived. And his latest “Mr. Europe” about McIlroy made that clear!

Harman highlights hypocrisy with a Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay example

Brian Harman recently sat down for an episode of ForePlay Podcast and spoke about many things, the 2023 Ryder Cup obviously made its way into the discussion. The interviewer pointed out being present at Marco Simone for the showdown’s final day and mentioned the hostility he could feel in the air. 

It was hostile. Patriotic showdowns are that way, especially on the last days, but there was another element that made things a bit more stressful that day; the infamous Hatgate controversy. The European fans were booing the American squad as Patrick Cantlay allegedly refused to wear the hat as a form of protest for lack of monetary compensation at the Ryder Cup. 

Chiming into the discussion, the 1x major winner regarded the entire thing as a joke. “The hat stuff that what a joke. It was a joke… Rory doesn’t wear a hat in any Ryder Cup and he’s Mr. Europe, and Pat takes his hat off and they think that’s ridiculous.” The entire thing seem to be more silly to the golfer now, especially after the brutal loss they faced at the hands of the European team. But the Hypocrisy of it all certainly doesn’t elude him.

When Rory McIlroy arrived with his European squad in Italy for the tournament last year, he was not wearing the hat. In 2016, when a fan asked him why he did not wear the hat that year while competing in the Ryder Cup, he revealed hilariously, “I’ve a pea head and the hats were way too big for me!” In 2021 too, he shed light on the same topic, “My head is so small that I have to get Nike to make me custom hats,” McIlroy told PGATour’s Sean Martin. “So whenever I’m in a team event and the hats aren’t custom, they’re all too big.” We hear you, McIlroy!

Why then did Cantlay not wearing one make the headlines last year? After all, it’s just a hat, isn’t it? Well, not exactly, as per rumors, it was more than just that! It was a statement for money!

The American dressing room controversy at the 2023 Ryder Cup? 

It all began on the second day of the competition when the report by Sky Sports claiming some tension in the American dressing room broke the internet. It was reported that a few players on the team felt that they should be paid, and as a protest, Cantlay refused to wear his hat. Soon after, however, this myth was busted.

Cantlay’s manager later that he was not wearing anything on his head because he in fact couldn’t find a good-fitting cap. Yes, that’s right it was the same reason as McIlroy’s! Regardless the damage was done.

The European fans ridiculed the American golfers by waving their hats in the air throughout the event. Cantlay himself found redemption by beating McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick in the Saturday afternoon fourball session. But that ensued in a controversy of its own! McIlroy needed a birdie at the final hole to half the match, but he failed. Obviously, the Northern Irishman was not happy. He voiced his anger at Joe LaCava, Cantlay’s bagman, who he accused of celebrating for too long after Cantlay’s birdy and distracted McIlroy with it.

Both parties, however, apologized later and cleared the air. Of course, Europe eventually won after scoring 16.5 points. The Northern Irishman went on to become Europe’s top point scorer, and all the controversies became nothing but water under the bridge. Until next year that is!