‘Never Do a Silent Protest’: Patrick Cantlay Minces No Words as He Finally Admits the Truth Behind ‘HatGate’ Controversy

2023 sure was a rollercoaster ride for many! It was especially so for Patrick Cantlay. Why so, you ask? Unfortunately, the golfer’s team faced a tragic loss against Europe in the Ryder Cup just before getting married to his girlfriend. Well, the tournament was upsetting for the pro, not just because of the loss but also owing to a controversy that he found himself in!

The “hatgate” controversy. It dominated the headlines of the golfing world for a long time, even after the event. Moreover, the news was filled with rumors of a rift in the American team for the prestigious tournament. However, Cantlay himself came forward a while back to spill the beans on the same, all the while giving a final shush to the tittle-tattle!

Patrick Cantlay, the ‘Hatgate’ controversy, and the absurd rumors

The 31-year-old did not wear his USA cap during the Ryder Cup. Now, enter the startling report! A lot of news sources speculated how Cantlay was doing so in silent protest of the no-pay policy of the event. Although he kept mum about all those rumors, it seems he couldn’t take it anymore as the golfer vehemently denied any connection between the two, all the while divulging how he would “never do a silent protest.”

Divulging on the same, the American pro mentioned how “the money issue was not talked about, at all,” before or after the tourney. Funnily enough, the athlete had not worn a cap even during 2021, earning the name “no-hat Pat,” while alluding to the Whistling Straits win. “And we go to Europe and they’ve figured out a way to turn it against me,” he said while expressing disappointment about the widespread yet untrue speculations.

Then, why didn’t he don the headwear? The 8X PGA Tour champ revealed how he “didn’t wear a hat because the hat didn’t fit exactly as I(sic) would have liked.” Moreover, disclosing his particularity about his style, the professional divulged how he just “felt more comfortable without it.” Nevertheless, he did make sure to add one thing, “If I was to make a protest, everyone would know what I’m protesting, why I’m protesting, and how I’m protesting,” while sporting a grin!

Well, there were different versions of the story going around before the player revealed the actual reason for his act. Moreover, the performance of the Zach Johnson-led team might have added to many of the fans suspecting a possible rift in the squad.

The ‘fractured’ rumors and their origin

A bombshell report made the headlines during the prestigious event, mentioning how Cantlay believed he should be paid for playing at the same event. Moreover, his alleged “flippant” comment to an official of the PGA of America and a broadcaster also added oil to the fire. As per sources, the athlete had indicated that “he wouldn’t wear a hat unless he was getting paid to do so.”

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Nevertheless, one should note that the 2022 BMW Championship winner has gone hatless a number of times in his professional career. Moreover, he had done so in many team competitions, including the 2011 Walker Cup. The biennial event was no different.

Finally, the skipper, Johnson, can take in a breath of fresh air. With Cantlay divulging the reasons behind him going hatless, the captain would surely be content as the so-called fractured rumors of the American Ryder Cup team get dispelled!

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