Patrick Cantlay silences critics at Genesis Invitational after calls for ‘huge’ PGA Tour fine
Patrick Cantlay is in contention to win the Genesis Invitational and end his 18-month wait for a PGA Tour title after three solid rounds of golf at Riviera Country Club
Patrick Cantlay is still on course to win the Genesis Invitational – despite being criticised for breaking a PGA Tour rule.
Former Presidents Cup vice-captain Tony Johnstone has called for Cantlay to be fined a “huge fine” after failing to shout twice in the opening round of the tournament at Riviera Country Club in California. Johnstone was furious with the 31-year-old’s branding.
“The shots followed and Cantlay hit the ball-spotter then the spectators around the green,” Johnstone wrote of the previous cry that ‘isn’t that okay?’ Johnstone later added: “(Cantlay) should be fined a huge amount of money.”
Despite the controversy, Cantlay is still on track to win his first PGA Tour title since defending BMW Championship in August 2022. He shot a round 70 on Saturday to score at 14 under, with a two-shot lead over Xander Schauffele and Will Zalatoris.
Schauffele and Zalatoris both shot shot 65 on Saturday to enter the run at the Genesis Invitational. Luke List is three shots behind Cantlay at 11 under par, while Harris English and Jason Day are both slightly behind.
Despite being chased, Cantlay feels confident of winning once. again. “I played very solid golf today, didn’t make long shots or anything,” he said. “(I) didn’t really give myself too many chances, but overall it was a solid day and in a good position for the final round.”
But Schauffele also felt lost mandarin. The Olympic champion added: “To play good golf at Riviera you have to fire on all cylinders and that’s what we’ve been able to do in the last few days. I just wanted to give it a try (Sunday)). I Seeing as Pat is still making birdies, it looks like he’s a tough guy to beat at the moment.”
Even though Cantlay and Schauffele, who are close friends, both have favorable circumstances to win the Genesis Invitational, the same cannot be said of Rory McIlroy. The four-time Major champion was just four points behind after rounds of 74, 66 and 69.
However, McIlroy, who has not won a Major in 10 years, still believes his game is was in good form before the Masters in April. He said: “Last week I did really well. My coach Michael Bannon came in and I feel pretty good about everything this week, although obviously I’m not really in contention. The game is on went pretty well.”
< br>Tiger Woods will not play in the final round on Sunday after withdrawing on Friday due to illness. The 15-time major champion, who hosted the tournament, told fans above I’m resting and feeling better.
“Good luck to the players this weekend. I’m sorry not to be there and I want to thank Genesis and all the fans for their support.”
