Rory McIlroy scotched reports on Sunday that Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava apologized for behavior that enraged the European star at the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy was livid on Saturday evening after LaCava continued to celebrate a brilliant putt by Cantlay on the 18th green near the Northern Irishman while he was preparing for his own effort to tie their fourballs match.
He was later filmed ranting in the Marco Simone course car park and having to be bundled away by teammate Shane Lowry.
American media said LaCava requested to see McIlroy on Sunday morning to apologize and clear the air but the four-time major winner denied any meeting took place.
Asked about the incident following his 3 and 1 singles win over Sam Burns, McIlroy simply said: “I haven’t met Joe.”
“I let it fuel me. I didn’t let it take away from what’s been a fantastic week,” added McIlroy about the incident.
“I used that little incident last night to my advantage.”
Cantlay and LaCava were met with deafening boos on the first tee in Rome when they arrived for the world number five’s match against Justin Rose, eventually winning 2 and 1.
The American had also brushed off media reports that he was protesting against the lack of pay for players at the Ryder Cup by not wearing a cap.
The home crowd waved their hats at him from the opening tee box and all the way down the first fairway.
Europe needs just half a point to win the Ryder Cup and stop the USA from retaining the trophy.
