There had been accusations that Patrick Cantlay was taking advantage of his powers on the PGA Tour Policy Board, but the American has defended his role in the ongoing Saudi negotiations
Patrick Cantlay feels he has a ‘responsibility’ to help get the PGA Tour’s ongoing deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia completed for the benefit of his fellow stars.
The Tour remain in negotiations with the Saudi fund, with a deal set to end the circuit’s near two-year feud with LIV Golf. Having kickstarted discussions in June, the deal was dealt a blow last month after their December 31 deadline to sign off the agreement was missed.
In spite of the missed deadline, the PGA Tour told its participating members that talks were still ongoing in the hopes that a deal would be reached by this April’s Masters.
Cantlay, who joined the PGA Tour’s Policy Board as a Player Director, is one man who has ended up at the center of the story. Regarding the American’s role in the circuit, much has been said; according to a Telegraph report, he led a coup from within to increase his own power.
Cantlay acknowledged ahead of this week’s American Express that, in spite of the allegations, his goal is to do the best job possible representing his fellow players in the boardroom. He remarked, “I care deeply about my responsibility to the membership to represent them as best I can.”
Thus, it is not only my desire but also my duty to perform well there. My top goal is to see this deal through to the end in order to best position the PGA Tour players for the future.” With a busy season ahead for the world No. 6 player, Cantlay still has his efforts on the course to consider when he is not at the negotiating table.
It’s undoubtedly difficult to balance the politics off the course with your game on it; in fact, Cantlay’s Ryder Cup opponent Rory McIlroy resigned from the board last November in an effort to focus more on his game. But the American seems to be at ease striking a balance between the two.
“Going back to my golf, that’s my main job,” he continued. It’s important and challenging to do everything I can to manage my time so that I have enough time to properly prioritize both things, but that’s life. Partitioning is something I believe to be one of my strong points.
“As well as giving the task at hand my whole attention. Thus, I believe it takes a little more work to try to concentrate only on golf when I’m playing, but I can manage that.” Earlier this month, Cantlay began his season at The Sentry, where he finished in a tie for 12th place, six shots behind eventual winner Chris Kirk.
His focus now shifts to his campaign’s second event, this week’s American Express, where the United States is a part of a strong field. Alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, he will begin the week at 5:14 p.m. (GMT) on Thursday in the opening round.
