Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has defended Rory McIlroy after the Northern Irishman was involved in a heated exchange with US caddie Joe LaCava following the conclusion of day two at Marco Simone Golf Club. McIlroy was seen gesticulating angrily in the car park before being bundled into a vehicle by teammate Shane Lowry.
The incident began on the 18th green when Patrick Cantlay sank a 43-foot putt while McIlroy was still waiting to play. As Cantlay and Wyndham Clark celebrated their fourball victory, LaCava waved his hat in front of McIlroy, who was preparing to putt. McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick missed their putts, confirming the American win.
Donald explained that McIlroy had politely asked LaCava to move aside, but the caddie remained in his line of vision for an extended period while continuing to wave his hat. "Obviously Rory felt like the line was crossed on the 18th green," Donald said. "From what Rory told me, he did ask Joe to move. He took a long time to move. It was a little off-putting because he still had to putt."
The hat-waving had become a theme throughout the day after suggestions that Cantlay was refusing to wear a cap in protest at not being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, a claim he later denied. Donald praised his team for rallying around McIlroy, saying, "We are a big family this week. We support each other."
Despite the controversy, Europe hold a commanding 10½ to 5½ lead heading into the final day singles matches. "We are in a great position, five points ahead going into the singles at home," Donald added. "I like where we are. I like the feelings in the locker room."
