Rory McIlroy in ugly spat with US team caddy after dramatic Day 2 at Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy had to be directed into his car by Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry after getting into a heated argument in the parking lot of the Marco Simone Golf Club outside Rome.

Footage captured by NBC showed McIlroy screaming, “This can’t happen. This can’t happen. It’s a (expletive) disgrace.” He was originally held back by his wife before Ireland’s Lowry stepped in front of him and directed him toward his vehicle.

The outburst came after Europe’s McIlroy and Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick lost their fourballs match against Americans Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark on the 18th hole on Saturday to give the US team some outside hope of a comeback.

Cantlay sank three consecutive birdies, including a 43-footer at No. 8, en route to the victory over McIlroy and Fitzpatrick. He then made the motion of his tipping his cap to the crowd, which had been mocking him by waving their hats in the wake of a report by British media that Cantlay wasn’t wearing a team-issued hat to protest American players not getting paid to participate in the Ryder Cup.

Cantlay’s caddy, Joe LaCava, also waved his hat while on the green. McIlroy asked LaCava to move out of his way, which LaCava did, but then the caddy was shown saying something to McIlroy.

McIlroy was later seen to be visibly furious outside the clubhouse as Jim “Bones” Mackay, the caddie for Justin Thomas, attempted to intervene.

“Obviously, I was there on 18,” Europe captain Luke Donald said. “I saw it unfold when Patrick made that putt. Joe was waving his hat. 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.”

McIlroy believes the talk at No.18 just adds more intrigue to the final day singles matches on Sunday.

Europe lead 101/2-51/2 and need four more points to reclaim the trophy.

“Patrick made three great putts at the end to seal the deal, so hats off to them,” McIlroy said. “They played a great match, and yeah, I mean, a few scenes there on 18 and just fuel for the fire (Sunday).”