Lee Westwood Gives an Honest Verdict as Patrick Cantlay’s Notorious Ryder Cup Squabble Shackles the 2023 Ryder Cup Vibes

On Friday, golf fans, on both sides of the Atlantic, were puzzled to see USA golfer Patrick Cantlay not wearing his team-hat. On Saturday, a bombshell report by a British media outlet claimed that the current world no.5 is not wearing a hat as a form of protest against not getting paid to represent his country. Much water has flown down the bridge since the saga unfolded, thanks to explanations from US captain Zach Johnson and Cantlay himself, but it is still a trending topic.

Now, Lee Westwood, a Ryder Cup legend himself chimes in with his two cents; not without his characteristic humor though. Recounting his appearance at previous Ryder Cups without a hat, the British golfer revealed a very funny reason behind his decision.

Lee Westwood displays his quintessential British humor

Lee Westwood, 11-time Ryder Cupper for Europe, is noted for his candid comments and humorous jibes. This time, the former world no. 1 decided to take a quip at the wild speculations over what he feels is a trivial issue.

Cantlay has received a lot of heat because of going hatless. However, this apparent ‘shameful’ act at the Ryder Cup has its precedence in history. The year was 2016, at Hazeltine National, when a good chunk of European players chose to go hat-less. The list includes Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, all European Ryder Cup legends in their own right.

The veteran European golfer referred to that incident in a recent tweet. Explaining his reason for appearing with a bare dome, the seven-time Ryder Cup winner said: “I didn’t wear a hat in the Ryder Cup because I just felt like getting a tan on my forehead.”

Notably, Ryder Cuppers aren’t explicitly required to wear team-hats during the game. Westwood, by taking a subtly sarcastic jab over the fiasco, seems to have told many things without explicitly commenting on the matter. Cantlay must be happy to know that, he has found a European Ryder Cupper on his side.

Patrick Cantlay shares his side of the story

After the report from a British media outlet reached the boisterous European fans positioned at Marco Simone, they started greeting the US golfer by waving their hats almost on every hole. Cantlay chose to reply in kind after making a 43-foot birdie putt at the 18 hole and bringing the USA back in the game, to some extent.

Read More: ‘It’s Not Hateful’: Golf Fans Have Mixed Reactions After Patrick Cantlay’s Nasty Heckling Incident

Later speaking to the media, the eight-time PGA Tour winner explained his reason for not sporting the team hat. Apparently, the team-issued hat doesn’t fit him; as simple as that. For the very same reason, he didn’t wear it in the previous Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, as the two-time Ryder Cupper explained.

On the final match-day, Team USA is looking for a historic comeback against Europe, to retain the Ryder Cup. Zach Johnson’s men will want to look beyond the negative comments to focus on the game.

Watch this story: With merely two weeks left for the Ryder Cup team USA’s Patrick Cantlay has yet to leave his tainted masters footprints behind