Patrick Cantlay has moved to silence critics over the long-running Ryder Cup pay dispute by revealing he will donate his entire appearance fee to charity.
The American, who became the centre of attention in Rome two years ago, was criticised after refusing to wear the US team cap.
That decision earned him the nickname “No Hat Pat” and fuelled speculation that he was staging a protest because players were not being paid to compete. Cantlay insisted at the time the issue was simply that the caps did not fit properly, though others suggested he was avoiding tan lines ahead of his wedding.
As he spoke to the media ahead of this weeks Ryder Cup, Cantlay did wear a Team USA cap as he insisted: "Like I’ve said a million times, the hat didn’t fit last time,
Patrick Cantlay insists he didn't wear a cap in Rome due to the sizing being too small rather then a rumoured pay dispute
|REUTERS
“This year we worked with them to make sure we had one, and we got one, so we’re good. One of the best things about these team events is the charitable impact, and I’ll be donating my portion to my foundation.”
Cantlay insisted at the time the issue was simply that the caps did not fit properly, though others suggested he was avoiding tan lines ahead of his wedding.
JUST IN: Golf star wants to 'tase Americans between the eyes' ahead of Ryder Cup 2025
The eight-time PGA Tour winner confirmed his money will be shared among causes he already supports, including the First Responders Children’s Foundation, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Folds of Honor, and the SCPGA Junior Tour.
“The Junior Tour is where I first discovered my love for competitive golf,” he added.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Patrick Cantlay will be donating all of his money to charity
|REUTERS
“If I can give back to the organisations that helped shape me, then hopefully kids growing up in Southern California can enjoy the same opportunities and chase their dreams.”
The PGA of America has introduced a new system this year, giving each of the 12 US players a $200,000 stipend on top of $300,000 that automatically goes to charity.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Cantlay, making his third Ryder Cup appearance, stressed he would not keep his portion despite the change.
He is not the only one taking that approach. US captain Keegan Bradley revealed he will also donate his share, though he said it was a “personal decision” for each player.
Most of Team USA Will also donate their money to charity, however it is personal choice
|REUTERS
Former Open champion Xander Schauffele confirmed he would follow suit, while world number one Scottie Scheffler hinted he was likely to do the same.
With several of America’s top golfers pledging their earnings to charitable causes, the latest Ryder Cup storyline looks set to highlight generosity rather than division.