Top 10 power rankings in 2022 The American Express

Patrick Cantlay nearly won the 2021 The American Express in his first tournament appearance in eight years. He shot 69-71 to make the cut on the number. Cantlay then proceeded to post 65-61 to nearly come all the way back. Si Woo Kim edged Cantlay by one shot. Cantlay was two shots ahead of third place, three ahead of fourth and seven ahead of fifth.

The final-round 61 set the Stadium Course record by two shots and was one shy of matching Cantlay’s career-low round (60, 2011 Travelers Championship).

“Yeah, almost equally as good, right?” Cantlay was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “The amateur, because maybe you don’t even expect it even more, it was maybe a little sweeter. But very comparable. And the same feels, when you get in the zone and you feel like all the putts are starting down the line, you’re looking, and you’re reading the greens correctly. So the more often I can get in that zone the better I’ll be.”

Eleven birdies in a round was also a career-high. The Californian only hit 34 of 56 fairways (60.7%) on the week, but was first in putts per green in regulation (1.558). Cantlay’s only other trip to the Palm Springs area resulted in a missed cut in 2013.

We last saw the UCLA grad in action a couple of weeks ago at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Rounds of 66-67-66-67 earned him solo fourth. Cantlay is seeking his first PGA Tour win in his home state.

Last season, he ranked third on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained (1.82) and was top-30 in every main SG category. The 29-year-old has enough length to carry most trouble off the tee and was also 10th in greens in regulation (70.16%). Cantlay tends to play well during the west coast swing. Given the field strength and the good vibes he has from 2021, The American Express is likely his best chance at a win in the coming weeks.