Professional golfer Patrick Cantlay exhibited composure in response to criticism from former champion Tony Johnstone at the Genesis Invitational. Despite Johnstone’s call for Cantlay to be ‘fined’ for failing to say ‘fore’ during the opening round at Riviera Country Club, Cantlay opted not to engage in the discourse as he competes in the Genesis International.
Aiming for another victory at the Genesis International, Cantlay concluded the first day with an impressive score of seven-under-par 64. However, his conduct on the course was questioned by six-time European victor Johnstone, who took issue with the star’s actions after two subpar shots on the final hole.
Reportedly, Cantlay neglected to announce ‘fore’ after his tee shot on the 18th, which veered off course before hitting a ball-spotter. In a subsequent instance, a member of his group purportedly fulfilled the duty of shouting ‘fore’ as Cantlay’s next attempt also went astray.
Johnstone expressed his discontent on social media, condemning the American’s behavior and calling for Cantlay to face a significant fine for the breach of an unwritten rule in golf. Despite this, Cantlay remained focused on his performance and expressed optimism about his prospects in the final round, stating, “I played solid golf today… a solid day and in good position for the final round.”
In response to the controversy, Cantlay chose not to engage directly with Johnstone’s comments, maintaining his professional composure in the face of scrutiny. The golfer’s response stands in contrast to the growing debate surrounding the enforcement of proper etiquette on the golf course, with previous criticisms levied at former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who defended his actions on the ‘Rick Shiels Golf Show’.
DeChambeau shared insights into the complexities of the ‘fore’ shout, highlighting potential drawbacks of using the warning. He acknowledged that in certain situations, shouting ‘fore’ could inadvertently cause harm as people move towards the direction of the golf ball. This perspective offers a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by golfers in ensuring the safety of spectators on the course, providing context for Cantlay’s actions at the Genesis Invitational.
As the debate surrounding Cantlay’s conduct continues, it is imperative to recognise the intricacies of golf etiquette and the considerations that players must navigate in high-pressure situations. In the face of critique, Cantlay’s steadfast focus on his performance serves as a testament to his professionalism amidst the expectations and responsibilities of professional golfers on the tour.