Hatless Cantlay plays down reports of rift over Ryder Cup pay

Patrick Cantlay on Saturday said the Ryder Cup was about "representing our country" after reports the American was staging a protest over the fact players are not paid at the event.

American journalists claimed that Cantlay had caused a rift in the US camp over not being paid, with some even saying he was not wearing a cap in protest.

Players often do not wear caps at the Ryder Cup due to a lack of sponsor obligations.

"It's not about that. It's just about Team USA and representing our country," he said after reeling off three straight birdies to snatch a dramatic point with Wyndham Clark against Rory McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick.

"That's all I've got to say about that (not being paid).

"The hat doesn't fit. It didn't fit at Whistling Straits, and didn't fit this week. Everyone knows that."

Cantlay's teammate Sam Burns quipped: "I didn't know it was such a big deal not to wear a hat."

The world number five holed a 30-foot putt on the 18th green and the majority of the American team looked anything but divided as they celebrated wildly on the sidelines, angering McIlroy.

Cantlay's heroics dragged the USA within five points ahead of Sunday's singles, but they will still need the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history to lift the trophy.