Patrick Cantlay Faces Criticism During Ryder Cup Coverage

FARMINGDALE, New York — During the 2025 Ryder Cup on Friday, U.S. golfer Patrick Cantlay was criticized by Nick Faldo in a live broadcast, highlighting the competitive tensions between the American and European teams. The comments came as Cantlay faced a crucial birdie putt while playing against Rory McIlroy in a tightly contested match.

As Cantlay lined up his shot on the 14th hole, Faldo, working for Sky Sports, made a joke about Cantlay’s slow pace. ‘So Ewen, you started life as a small boy and you grew up from there, you could probably tell us your biography by the time he hits this one,’ Faldo laughed, referring to his fellow analyst Ewen Murray. Murray joined in, suggesting that the delay could allow time for a ‘three-course meal’ to be served.

The light-hearted banter comes as no surprise, given the Ryder Cup’s national rivalries. Faldo’s comments reflect a broader trend among European analysts who often let their allegiances color their commentary. Cantlay, known for his deliberate play style, ultimately missed the birdie putt, leaving his match tied.

The American broadcast faced its own challenges, as European Ryder Cup strategist Paul McGinley offered analysis that favored his team, often speaking about the Europeans as ‘we.’ This led to a notable moment when fellow analyst Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay called out McGinley for hypocritical advice during the matches, as McGinley suggested McIlroy receive specific guidance that he had previously denied the Americans.

As the competition progresses, it remains to be seen how commentary from both sides might adapt, or continue to display bias.