Sport Ryder Cup
The team of multi-millionaires is apparently arguing about money
Status: 30.09.2023 | Reading time: 3 minutes
Gets into trouble with the Americans even though he doesn’t have one on: Patrick Cantlay
Quelle: Getty Images/Richard Heathcote
The Ryder Cup is the biggest event in professional golf. And probably the only one where there is no prize money for the players. Playing for three days just for honor doesn’t seem to be enough. Reports of arguments within the US team are making the rounds.
The dismantling of the American golfers at the Ryder Cup in Rome continued in the morning of the second day. After the Europeans had already led by 6.5 to 1.5 after the eight foursomes on Friday and the guests were unable to win a game, things continued in a similar way in the foursome matches on Saturday. The hosts won the morning 3-1, led 9.5 to 2.5 and once again wrote records.
After taking a 4-0 lead on Friday for the first time in the 98-year history of the continental comparison, they now celebrated a record victory. The Norwegian Viktor Hovland and his Swedish partner Ludvig Aberg, who had just turned professional and were in his first Ryder Cup, outclassed their opponents. The Scandinavians won nine of the first eleven holes and were unassailably far ahead as no duo had ever been before. The victory became even more special when you looked at the opponents: none other than the multiple major winner and current world number one Scottie Scheffler. He was so devastated after the rub that he was crying in his wife’s arms a few minutes later.
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But why have the favored Americans, who triumphed 19-9 on their own soil two years ago, been so bad in the Eternal City so far?
For decades, their greatest weakness has been developing a team spirit in individual sports, which is always extremely strong among Europeans. And this time too, reports of disputes in captain Zach Johnson’s team are making the rounds. These have it all. So far it has mostly been about players not being lined up or incorrectly put together pairings, but this time money is supposed to be the trigger. Or more precisely: no money.
Schauffele should support Cantlay
The focus should be Patrick Cantlay. A player who has already collected more than $42 million in prize money on the PGA Tour alone and counts companies like Goldman Sachs and Delta Airlines among his twelve sponsors. Nevertheless, Cantlay is said to be upset about having to compete in the Ryder Cup without financial compensation. This is reported by the TV channel Sky Sports, which broadcasts the Ryder Cup in England.
Friends and playing partners: Patrick Cantlay (uncapped) and Xander Schauffele
What: REUTERS
Accordingly, Cantlay is demanding to be paid for the Ryder Cup too. In protest, the multimillionaire is the only player not to wear a team cap during games. In fact, this is unusual, especially since Cantlay wore a cap in the Presidents Cup last year. In this team duel, the Americans compete against the rest of the world excluding Europe and receive money from the PGA Tour. This is actually not the case with the Ryder Cup. But anyone who believes that it’s all about honor is thinking too short-sightedly. Of course, appearing at the largest golf event in the world, especially if it is successful, increases the market value enormously for sponsors and suppliers.
According to Sky Sports, Cantlay receives support from his close friend Xander Schauffele. The whole thing caused a rift in the US team, and the two were separated in the dressing room. So it will be exciting to hear what the Americans and especially their captain have to say Sunday evening after the last game. Such topics are generally not discussed publicly during the event.
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After all: Cantlay and his teammates were able to convince for the first time on Saturday afternoon and won the fourth session 3-1. The European lead is still comfortable with 10.5:5.5 points. Twelve singles will still be played on Sunday, Europe needs four points from them to win the Ryder Cup.
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