Rónán MacNamara in Rome
For Luke Donald it’s a case of if you dish it out you have to take it back as he urged Rory McIlroy and his European team to remain calm after some dramatic scenes on the 18th green.
Late Patrick Cantlay heroics on the final green of the final match in the Saturday fourballs saw the USA snatch a vital point from the jaws of defeat to move to within five points of Europe heading into the Sunday singles.
Cantlay’s winning birdie drew ugly scenes on the 18th green with tempers flaring and spilling out into the car park with McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Justin Rose seething at the US players and Joe LaCava who apparently stood in his line before his own birdie effort.
“Yeah, obviously I was there on 18. I saw it unfold when Patrick made that putt, Joe was waving his hat,” explained Donald who had to have a private talk with McIlroy. “Obviously there was some hat waving going on throughout the day from the crowd for our players.
“Talked to Rory. He politely asked Joe to move aside. He was in his line of vision. He stood there and didn’t move for a while and continued to wave the hat, so I think Rory was upset about that.”
Donald was asked if the chaotic scenes in Marco Simone changed the perception of the contest for his side.
“Absolutely not. We’ll go out there as 12 strong. I’m excited about my lineup, and you know, I’m not going to strategize upon those things, to be honest. That’s not in my thought whatsoever. I’m going to put out the lineup that I think will be able to win back the Cup tomorrow.
“Ryder Cup is always passionate. We’ve seen that many times over the past — again, I will address all 12 of my guys tomorrow. I’ll give them the right messaging, and they will be ready to play.
“Look, we love this event because of the passion, but we want to do it the right way. Obviously Rory felt like the line was crossed on the 18th green. Again, I will address it with him when I see him. I wasn’t there personally in the car park, but when I get back I will talk with him.”
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