Cantlay takes on 'responsibility' of LIV Golf merger after PGA Tour coup claims
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.
The PGA Tour informed its playing members that negotiations were continuing despite the missed target, with the hope that an agreement will finally be put in place by this April's Masters.
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One man who has found himself at the centre of the saga is Cantlay, having taken a spot on the PGA Tour's Policy Board as a Player Director. Much has been said about the American's role within the circuit, with a Telegraph report claiming he had led a coup from within in order to gain more control.
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Despite the claims, Cantlay admitted ahead of this week's American Express that his aim is to represent his fellow players as best as possible in the boardroom. "I have a responsibility to the membership, to represent them as best as possible, and I care deeply about that," he said.
"So, doing a good job there is not only what I want to do, but also my responsibility. Seeing through this deal, as best as possible, to set up the PGA Tour players both now and in the future, is a priority for me." Away from the negotiation table, Cantlay still has his efforts on the course to think about with a big season ahead for the world No. 6.
Patrick Cantlay is back in PGA Tour action this weekBalancing the politics off the course as well as your game on it no doubt proves a tough task, and even led to Cantlay's Ryder Cup rival Rory McIlroy resigning from the board last November in a bid to concentrate more on his golf. The American however appears to be comfortable balancing both.
"As far as my golf goes, that is my primary job is my golf," he added. Doing everything I can, time management-wise, to have enough time to prioritise both things correctly is important and a challenge, but that's life... I think it's one of my strengths is compartmentalising.
"And being as focused as I possibly can be at the task at hand. So, I think there's a little more effort to try to focus solely on golf while I'm golfing, but I'm able to do that." Cantlay started his season at The Sentry earlier this month, finishing in a tie for 12th, six shots behind eventual champion Chris Kirk.
His attention now turns to event No. 2 of his campaign, with the American part of a strong field at this week's American Express. He will kick off his week alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler at 5:14 p.m. (GMT) in Thursday's opening round.
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