New theory for Patrick Cantlay ‘hatgate’ emerges as Ryder Cup star pictured after Rome wedding
Patrick Cantlay's lack of headgear bizarrely became the biggest talking point at the Ryder Cup.
Reports suggested it was a protest at lack of pay for USA players during the famous event.
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The golfer himself said the team-branded caps simply do not fit his head.
Others believe the American had one eye on his wedding.
Cantlay decided to max out his trip to Italy and tie the knot with long-term partner Nikki Guidish.
The couple married at a stunning ceremony in the Eternal City just 24 hours after USA's defeat to Europe.
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Now, the has published photos of Cantlay wearing a USA hat after the ceremony, suggesting the 31-year-old was simply avoiding the dreaded 'golfer's tan' ahead of his big day.
Golfers can often be seen with unfortunate tan lines on their forehead as a result of wearing a cap in the sun for hours on end, just ask USA vice-captain Stewart Cink.
The Americans went viral on social media for the sockless look at the Ryder Cup opening ceremony, with unevenly-coloured ankles giving off the illusion of socks.
'Hatgate' became the talk of the town as it indirectly sparked a row between Cantlay's caddie Joe LaCava and Rory McIlroy on Saturday night.
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European fans in Rome taunted Cantlay over reports about his protest by swirling their caps and chanting 'hats off for your bank account'.
When the American drained a crucial putt at the 18th to beat McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick, LaCava waved his hat back at the crowd.
However, McIlroy was left raging by the caddie for getting in his way, as the Europe star still had a putt to tie the match.
McIlroy was later seen raging at members of the US team in a car park over the incident.
After winning his singles match on Sunday, the Northern Irishman said: "Walking off the 18th yesterday (Saturday) was probably the angriest I've ever been in my career. I said it to the US guys, I thought it was disgraceful what went on and I made that clear."
Meanwhile, Cantlay continued to dismiss reports he was causing a rift in the USA dressing room.
He said: "The hat doesn't fit. It didn't fit at Whistling Straits [in 2021], and didn't fit this week. Everyone knows that.
"I was going to go no hat all week regardless, so I figured would I keep it consistent."
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