Ryder Cup: Europe edge closer to win over US as Rory McIlroy angry with Patrick Cantlay's caddie

The world number two was magnanimous when he spoke to the media, saying: "Patrick made three great putts at the end to seal the deal, so hats off to them. They played a great match, and yeah, I mean, a few scenes there on 18 and just fuel for the fire."

Video footage of a still-riled McIlroy appeared soon after with Lowry guiding his European team-mate away from another confrontation.

The rest of the American players had celebrated Cantlay's final birdie by waving their caps in the air, a reference to the fact he has not worn a cap all week.

It is understood he is refusing to do because he is not getting paid to play in the biennial contest, and the crowds had been waving caps at Cantlay throughout the afternoon session.

However, in his post-round news conference, he addressed that by saying "it just doesn't fit, it's as simple as that".

And when asked if it was about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, he replied: "It's not about that. It's just about Team USA and representing our country."

Cantlay and playing partner Wyndham Clark had never led in the match. They were one down from the fourth until Cantlay birdied the 11th. And the American drained two more putts on the 16th and 17th to send the match down the last all square before winning that with yet another birdie.

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