Interview
Patrick Cantlay, 2021 PGA TOUR Player of the Year
- Patrick Cantlay anticipates maintaining internal pressure similar to that experienced during junior and college events, which he previously characterized as "everything."
- He predicts that combining routine with visualization will enable him to determine outcomes within five seconds of striking the ball, thereby reducing anticipation and nervousness.
- Cantlay identifies playing before large, engaged, and "amped up" crowds as his preferred competitive environment.
- He expresses a hope that Tiger Woods will achieve a "full complete recovery" to return to competing at the highest level.
- The golfer plans to double down on his current process and maintain his team's momentum based on a system with a proven track record.
- Specific future targets for the 2022 major championship venues include St. Andrews and the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.
- Cantlay expects that finding a balance off the course is necessary to prevent reaching a "tipping point" where his on-course effectiveness declines.
- He notes that Augusta National changes annually, requiring him to navigate new series of "red lights" and "green lights" regarding hole locations.
- Cantlay expects golf ball technology to reduce distance, citing the unsustainability of current trends regarding real estate availability.
- He fears that current golf course design trajectories will compromise "architectural integrity" as players begin hitting shots over previously impossible-to-clear bunkers and lakes.
- He anticipates that adding tee boxes to property perimeters is unsustainable, which will force changes to green locations or course remakes that many facilities cannot afford.
- Goldman Sachs expects its partnership with Cantlay to continue for "the year ahead" based on shared goals of peak performance.