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2021 US Open: Top 10 power rankings at Torrey Pines

By Mike Randleman

Jan 30, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; A detailed view of the south course map adjacent to the first tee during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; A detailed view of the south course map adjacent to the first tee during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 25, 2018; San Diego, CA, USA; Patrick Cantlay plays his shot from the 12th tee during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2018; San Diego, CA, USA; Patrick Cantlay plays his shot from the 12th tee during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Patrick Cantlay is peaking at the right time. He won in his last start a couple weeks ago at the Memorial Tournament right before a major championship in his native California.

Cantlay outdueled Collin Morikawa in a playoff to win against a strong field for the second time at Muirfield Village. That duo was two clear of third place after regulation and five ahead of fourth place.

Cantlay made no double bogeys or worse in victory. We all know how crucial keeping the big numbers off your card are at U.S. Opens. One of the game’s best ball strikers also led the field in strokes gained tee to green (4.28).

The former UCLA Bruin is fourth (1.547) in that stat on the PGA Tour this season. Some top players can be compromised at times either by the driver or irons.

Cantlay’s pretty consistent throughout the bag and it shows by sitting 15th in SG off the tee (.56) and 24th in SG approach (.582).

A good short game (14th SG around the green, .406) and a warm weather forecast for his embattled back are also things working in his favor.

The Long Beach native is making his 18th major start. He’s made 15 cuts with seven top-25s and two top-10s.

Cantlay posted T-23rd last month at the PGA Championship.

The 29-year-old owns four PGA Tour wins, including one in California at the 2020 Zozo Championship, which relocated to Sherwood Forest due to the pandemic.

Cantlay comes to Torrey Pines for the fourth time as a pro and first time since 2019. His top finish here is surprisingly T-51st in 2018.

Perhaps the January/February slot on the calendar doesn’t jive with him. I think June’s warmer weather and tougher conditions will help the cause.

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