Joe LaCava’s ‘text message’ to Rory McIlroy comes to light after furious Ryder Cup bust-up

Rory McIlroy’s camp received a text message from Joe LaCava on Saturday evening following the pair’s bust-up at the Ryder Cup. The caddie wanted to make peace with the Northern Irishman and they met on Sunday morning before the singles took place.

McIlroy and LaCava clashed on the 18th hole after Patrick Cantlay had sunk a 30-foot putt. Cantlay birdied the last to cue jubilant celebrations among the USA team that had gathered around the green.

His caddy, LaCava, joined in by waving his cap while still standing on the green. McIlroy was clearly angry at the 68-year-old, telling him to get out of his way as he prepared to take his final putt.

McIlroy needed to sink the putt to tie the match but his preparations were disrupted by LaCava. He missed and USA won to narrow the gap slightly on Europe.

The incident spilt over into the car park afterwards. McIlroy was filmed shouting and pointing angrily towards LaCava before being ushered into a car by team-mate Shane Lowry.

According to NBC, LaCava made contact with McIlroy’s camp during the car journey home. It is claimed the text message read: “I love you guys and I respect all of you… would it be possible to have a face to face with McIlroy?”

McIlroy and LaCava did meet on Sunday morning to clear the air before singles began. McIlroy was in the fourth match of the day against Sam Burns, with Cantlay the clash before against Justin Rose.

Team Europe captain Luke Donald had backed McIlroy when speaking at his press conference after Saturday’s play. He said: “I was there on 18. I saw it unfold when Patrick made that putt, Joe was waving his hat