Patrick Cantlay’s impressive performance at Pinehurst No. 2 during the U.S. Open has raised eyebrows, especially considering his lackluster recent form in the lead-up to the tournament. Cantlay, who is friends with PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele, may have drawn inspiration from Schauffele’s success to push himself to perform at a higher level and potentially claim his own major title.
Despite his history of making the cut in the U.S. Open, Cantlay has never cracked the top 10, which adds to the surprise of his strong performance on Thursday. His round of 65 included one bogey and six birdies, with a particularly strong finish on the front nine. Cantlay’s ability to consistently leave himself makeable birdie putts within the eight-foot range played a significant role in his success.
Cantlay’s cautious post-round remarks suggest that he recognizes the challenges that lie ahead at the U.S. Open, especially considering the expected difficulty of the course in the coming days. Despite his impressive start, Cantlay is aware of the tough competition he faces and the need to maintain his performance throughout the tournament.
In 2011, Cantlay was the low amateur at the U.S. Open, showcasing his potential in major tournaments. However, he has yet to convert his strong starts into victories on the PGA Tour, with a zero-for-five record in converting early leads into wins. Cantlay will look to break this trend and capitalize on his strong start at Pinehurst No. 2.
With the course expected to play extremely challenging in the next few days, Cantlay’s fast start could prove crucial in positioning himself for a potential victory. Drawing inspiration from his friendship with Xander Schauffele, Cantlay will aim to build on his early success and contend for his first major title at the U.S. Open. The competition will be fierce, but Cantlay’s impressive performance on Thursday has put him in a strong position moving forward in the tournament.
