THE 2025 Ryder Cup is set for a major change with Team USA set to break tradition for the first time in its 98-year history.
The Americans will host Team Europe in New York next year after losing the 2023 tournament by five points.
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Team USA struggled to find consistency in Rome as they failed to defend their title from 2021.
And at the heart of things was a bizarre controversy involving HATS.
Key putter Patrick Cantlay was the only US player not to wear a team cap.
Reports claimed he was protesting the lack of pay, with stars traditionally playing for free and a fee being donated to charity instead.
Cantlay denied those claims, insisting the hat simply would not fit his head ahead of his imminent wedding to Wag Nikki Guidish.
But this sparked some ribbing from Team Europe, whose fans mockingly waved their own hats in his direction.
Cantlay was also given the nickname ‘No Hat Pat’, although he did get his revenge by winning his match against Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick.
And the Telegraph claims that Team USA are now ready to pay their players to star at next year’s Ryder Cup.
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It’s reckoned a deal is close to being finalised, which will see putters pocket a tasty £315,000 each.
It will be the first time in the history of the tournament that players will be paid to participate.
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It’s reckoned Cantlay’s refusal to wear a hat last year sparked other players to make a concerted move for payment.
But Team Europe have no plans to follow suit, with golfers ready to represent their continent purely for “passion.”
Rory McIlroy certainly has strong views on Cantlay, previously branding him a “d**k” after clashing with his caddie Joe LaCava last year.
McIlroy said: “Here’s what angered me. My relationship with Cantlay is average at best.
“We don’t have a ton in common and see the world quite differently. And they’re trying to defuse the situation but I start having a go at them.
“Joe LaCava used to be a nice guy when he was caddying for Tiger Woods, and now he’s caddying for that d**k he has turned into a… I still was not in a great headspace.”
Who are golf’s most famous Wags?
The world’s top golfers enjoy an incredible lifestyle – and their Wags lead thrilling lives of their own.
Here are some of the most high-profile beauties…
- Playing off a handicap of three, this sports reporter could give her fella a run for his money on the greens.
- This low-key beauty got married to a superstar golfer in front of Stevie Wonder, Chris Martin and Niall Horan.
- A former gymnast who has been her husband’s rock for 14 years – he even pays tribute to her on his golf balls.