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2020 CJ Cup: Top 10 power rankings at Shadow Creek

By Mike Randleman

LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 23: A general view of the 18th hole prior to The Match: Tiger vs Phil at Shadow Creek Golf Course on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images for The Match)
LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 23: A general view of the 18th hole prior to The Match: Tiger vs Phil at Shadow Creek Golf Course on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images for The Match) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: Patrick Cantlay lines up his putt on the 7th hole during the final round of the Shriners Hospitals For Children Open at TPC Summerlin on October 11, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: Patrick Cantlay lines up his putt on the 7th hole during the final round of the Shriners Hospitals For Children Open at TPC Summerlin on October 11, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Patrick Cantlay is an absolute menace in Las Vegas. Specifically, at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open where he’s finished 1st, 2nd, 2nd and T-8th the last four years at TPC Summerlin.

Can that translate up the road to Shadow Creek?

I think it could.

The 28-year-old from UCLA has played steady golf in 2020. He’s missed just one cut, made 12 top-50s and five top-12s in 13 starts worldwide.

The knock on Cantlay is the lack of chances at a win. His best finish of the year was in his first start at the Tournament of Champions, a limited field event. His next closest calls were at the Workday Charity Open (T-7th) and last week at the Shriners (63-65-65-73) where he was the 54-hole leader.

A rough Sunday kept him from closing the deal for the first time since the 2019 Memorial Tournament.

That’s why I had him just off the pace at No. 11 this week and now into the top 10 after Dustin Johnson withdrew Tuesday due to a positive COVID-19 test.

The Californian has won twice on the PGA Tour and has slews of high finishes against events with elite fields. Remember when he led late for a minute or two late on Sunday at the 2019 Masters?

Cantlay’s week to week consistency is credited to a solid overall game. Ball striking is his specialty as he was 12th last season in strokes gained tee to green (1.097). Sharp iron play looks to be a key at this year’s CJ Cup. Cantlay was 18th in SG approach (.523).

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