2021 Masters: Top 10 power rankings for Augusta National
It’s a trend for most players who are fortunate enough to return to the Masters on a frequent basis: Improvement with experience.
Patrick Cantlay debuted at Augusta National in 2012, taking low amateur honors and finishing T-47th (71-78-74-72) despite a quadruple bogey to his name.
Injuries slowed up a promising early pro career, keeping him from getting back to this tournament until 2018 when he missed the cut.
Cantlay responded with T-9th (73-73-64-68) in 2019 when he contended and briefly led late on Sunday. He came back for T-17th (70-66-73-72) in 2020.
“I think, for the most part, my game plan hasn’t changed much, but just feeling comfortable and getting some momentum around here,” Cantlay was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2020. “The same guys seem to play well here every year, and I think part of that is you just get good feelings here, and you come back every year. I’m just trying to build those good feelings.”
While a softer course like in November may have benefitted Cantlay’s play style, the warmer temperatures here in April may be a welcome sight for his back that’s plagued him through his career.
He seems to be in good health, though, and his steady play in 2021 shows it. Cantlay’s finished inside the top-15 in four of five stroke play starts with a runner-up at The American Express and T-3rd at Pebble Beach. He also won in the fall at the Zozo Championship.
The 29-year-old has been sterling at the majors. Cantlay’s made 15 of 16 cuts and was T-47th or better each time.
Consistency in majors parallels consistency throughout his bag. Cantlay is 51st or better in each of the PGA Tour’s main strokes gained categories. That’s highlighted by ranking seventh in strokes gained around the greens (.508).
He doesn’t give away shots but also knows how to pick his spots. Cantlay is fourth in birdie average (4.68). Even par ain’t winning this thing like at the U.S. Open, so you need someone who can take it low.
With UCLA men’s basketball coming up agonizingly close to a championship game berth, alum Patty Tavatanakit gave Bruins fans something to cheer about by winning last week’s ANA Inspiration.
Cantlay can do the same by claiming his first major title here at ANGC.