UCLA Freshman Patrick Cantlay hopes to bring his magic back to AT&T National
Patrick Cantlay is surely going places. The young University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Freshman, after his record round of 60 at the Travelers Championship last week, is all set to replicate his phenomenal round at this week’s AT&T National at Aronimink
Golf Club, Philadelphia.
Cantlay was fortunate to find a place in the AT&T National field on the PGA Tour after he received a sponsor’s exemption to participate in the event. Although he was not able to capitalize on his early lead in the tournament and faded in obscurity with his
disappointing closing rounds, his eye-popping 60 at TPC River Highlands prompted the sponsors to pull the young promising lad in their fold.
“I faded a little bit on the weekend [at the Travelers Championship], but it was a good experience, and this week I’m really excited and happy to be here. Very grateful to the tournament for giving me a spot, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Cantlay.
Born in Long Beach and currently residing at Los Alamitos, California, Cantlay won the 2011 GCAA Division I Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award and also led the UCLA team to four victories in local events. He also has the National Freshman of
the Year award as well as the Phil Mickelson Award for the year. Cantlay not only made the cut at this year’s US Open, playing as a Low Amateur, but also carded the best back nine 30 in the championship.
“The back nine I played at the U.S. Open Friday was really special for me, and then obviously the 60 I shot last week, I’ll remember those two moments forever,” Cantlay added.
But the young golfer is finding it difficult to deal with all the stardom and the hectic schedule of playing on the tour all at the same time. He is accompanied by his parents to a few out-stationed events but the teenager has to learn to live without the
parental help while following the tour every week. Cantlay is not only facing trouble with his laundry but also what to wear on the tournaments which come with strict rules regarding the outfits on the course.
He explained, “I’ve switched out clothes a bunch, so I brought all my UCLA stuff to NCAAs and an outfit for sectional qualifying.”
Cantlay will finally be heading home on Monday to rest his weary limbs after a whirlwind month of high profile golf. The mammoth exposure to top notch golf will surely go a long way in his career and has gained valued opportunity to compete among the top
golfers in the world.
The 19-year-old is also gradually settling in with the newly achieved stardom and admitted that giving out an autograph over one of his own photographs was a weird experience.
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