OPINION: Rumors of Team USA’s ‘Fractured’ Locker Room Due to Cantlay is a Lame Attempt of Division

Patrick Cantlay is making headlines for all the wrong reasons on Saturday morning, as there are rumors of a “fractured” Team USA locker room on his behalf. Cantlay, along with teammate and best friend Xander Schauffele, are reportedly separated from the rest of the Team USA members, opting not to partake in team activities and separating themselves as the U.S. attempts to mount what would be an epic comeback against the Europeans at the Ryder Cup.

The reports, which are completely unfounded and odd, are a drastic attempt by European media to push Cantlay and Schauffele, along with the rest of the Americans, apart. Not only that, but fans have already started to turn their back on the team due to their lackluster performance, and any inkling of conflict in the locker room is being taken as fact when, in reality, there is nothing but a tale erected by a European media member floating about.

Understand from several sources that the US team room is fractured, a split led predominantly by Patrick Cantlay.
Cantlay believes players should be paid to participate in the Ryder Cup, and is demonstrating his frustration at not being paid by refusing to wear a team cap.

— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) September 30, 2023

Even the slightest bit of critical thinking would dispel this ridiculous rumor.

The Lack of a Hat

The initial report claims that Cantlay has expressed discontent with the lack of pay players get from playing for Team USA, which has prompted him to not wear the official gear of the team, including a hat.

That all sounds great and believable, except for the fact that Cantlay did not wear a hat in 2021 when the Americans mollywhomped the Europeans in what is now known as the “Slaughter on the Water.”

Image via GolfWRX

Cantlay, along with many other players, have traditionally gone hatless in this event because it is an exhibition event, and they are not required to represent sponsors that they have on their own. They must wear the official gear for the event, which Cantlay is doing.

A Guy Who Only Cares About Money? Why Is He Still on the PGA Tour?

We are being led to believe that Cantlay is throwing a fit over the lack of pay for the Ryder Cup, but this is a guy who was offered, and declined a spot in LIV Golf.

If it’s all about money, then why is he still on the Tour?

Patrick Cantlay Shuts Down LIV Rumors

Do We Really Think the Media Wouldn't Try to Divide This Team?

It's obvious the Americans are in serious trouble, but are we going to act like this couldn't be some sort of attempt to dismantle any morale that Team USA has left?

I could 100% believe that the media over there wants the Americans to stay below 5 points during this whole event, and even little things like this rumor will make fans:

1) go against their team/a member and

2) lose any hope that we have a chance, considering there is a “divided” locker room

If he didn't want to play and is so flustered with the pay situation and he has no interest in mingling with anyone outside of Schauffele, why's he paired with Wyndham Clark this morning?

I don't buy these rumors, not even for a second.

Cover Image via Daily Mail