2023 Wells Fargo Championship: Top 10 Power Rankings at Quail Hollow
This is only Patrick Cantlay’s fourth visit to Quail Hollow and second to the Wells Fargo Championship.
He keeps a lighter schedule than most and plays more earlier in the season, but you would think this venue would be decent for his skill set.
However, the results are a bit inconclusive thus far.
In his course debut at the 2017 PGA Championship, Cantlay finished T-33rd (72-71-72-72). It was your standard fare we’ve seen from him at majors: Some good flashes, a made cut, but not in contention.
At the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship, Cantlay posted 72-72 to miss the cut by one.
He returned to Charlotte in 2022 for the Presidents Cup. Cantlay was one of the leaders for the Stars and Stripes, recording a 3-1-0 record with Xander Schauffele and winning his Sunday singles match against Adam Scott.
I anticipate good feelings from that victorious week for the Americans carrying over for Cantlay this week.
Plus, he’s playing good golf lately. Even if he moves at a snail’s pace.
The former UCLA Bruin has made six individual straight cuts, all of which were T-19th or higher. Cantlay’s got four top-fives in the 2022-23 season with a solo third in his last solo start at the RBC Heritage.
A couple weeks ago, he and Schauffele defended their title at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans with a T-4th finish.
Cantlay ranks fourth on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained per round (2.026) and is second in SG off-the-tee (.957).
Quail Hollow is a good mid-to long-iron test. Cantlay is 11th in approach proximity from 200-plus yards (48’3”) and from 200-225 (35’4”).