4 Questions: BMW Champ Patrick Cantlay on New Nickname, Ryder Cup, More

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Patrick Cantlay beat Bryson DeChambeau in a thrilling six-hole playoff at Caves Valley Golf Club to claim his third win of the 2021 PGA Tour Season at the BMW Championship.

Afterwards, the 29-year-old Cantlay took a few questions from the media, including one about his new nickname: Paddy Ice.

1. Three Impressive Wins

Patrick Cantlay Wins 2021 BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay celebrates with his caddie Matt Minister after defeating Bryson DeChambeau on the sixth playoff hole during the final round of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley GC on Aug 29, 2021 in Owings Mills, MD. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu via Getty Images)

Q. Your three wins this season, ZOZO you beat J.T. and Jon Rahm, you beat Morikawa at Memorial, now you take down Bryson here. What’s inside of you and what allows you to in the biggest moments go up against the best of your peers and get the job done?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I think a lot of determination and a lot of focus. I’m as focused as I can be on every single shot, and I try not to let my mind get past the moment that I’m in, and maybe that’s why I come across a little sedated out there.

But I’m locked in, and I’m as focused as I can be. Then I kind of let the chips fall where they do. Try not to get caught up in being out-driven 45 yards or whatever it is.

I just try and lock in and do my absolute best in that moment, and my best is pretty good.


2. Ever Any Doubts?

Patrick Cantlay Wins 2021 BMW Championship
Bryson DeChambeau looks over the 15th green as Patrick Cantlay walks during the final round of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley GC on Aug 29, 2021 in Owings Mills, MD. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu via Getty Images)

Q. Just curious, was there ever a moment that you thought you weren’t going to win? And if not, why not?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I liked Bryson’s chances of making that six- or eight-footer up the hill or whatever it was, and yeah, I thought he was going to make that putt. That was maybe the only time that I really thought I was done.

But he didn’t make it; that’s golf.

I played really well and just tried to focus on the task at hand all day. Even some of the bad shots I hit today, just tried to reset and take it fresh from there.


3. Paddy Ice?

Patrick Cantlay Wins 2021 BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay lines up a putt on the 17th green during a playoff in the final round of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley GC on Aug 29, 2021 in Owings Mills, MD. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins via Getty Images)

Q. Had you heard Paddy Ice before, and is that going to be a hard nickname to live up to?

PATRICK CANTLAY: I don’t know. That’s the first time I’ve heard it. But I got it all week.

I think there was maybe one or two guys that followed me around maybe all four days, and they just every hole, screaming it. These were some of the most supportive, loudest fans I’ve ever experienced.


4. Ryder Cup Thoughts?

Xander Schauffele (L) and Patrick Cantlay bump fists during the third day of the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Melbourne, AUS on December 14, 2019. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Q. I think this pretty much solidifies your spot on the Ryder Cup team; how stoked are you to get over to Whistling Straits and compete for the first time?

PATRICK CANTLAY: Yeah, I’m excited. Fred Couples texted me this week and said it looks like he’s going to be one of the assistant captains, and so he’ll be up there.

I’ve been talking with Xander, obviously, and J.T. and Jordan, and we’re really looking forward to it.

It’s nice to get in on points. I think that’s the case. And I’m really looking forward to that whole event. I’ve heard so much about it and watched it growing up.

I mean, I’m sure it will be everything I’ve imagined and more. I will lock in there, and hopefully we’ll get a victory.


Credits: Getty Images, PGA Tour Media, Fastscripts


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