OWINGS MILLS, Md. — In perhaps the most drama filled finish of a PGA Tour event since Woods battled Els at Kapalua over 20 years ago, Patrick Cantlay poured in a lengthy putt on the sixth playoff hole to defeat Bryson DeChambeau – winning the BMW Championship at Caves Valley, and vaulting atop the Fedex Cup standings going into East Lake.
Both Cantlay and DeChambeau finished regulation at 27 under par after final round 66’s, but it was Cantlay’s approach on the 18th that set up the putt for victory. His 6 iron finished 18 feet below the hole in an ideal position, but DeChambeau was half that distance but possibly in a tougher position above the hole – setting the stage for one last act as sunset fell upon the Baltimore area. Cantlay once again was clutch, draining the birdie roll into the center of the cup, and when DeChambeau missed his attempt to extend the playoff, Patrick Cantlay moved to the pole position at next week’s Tour Championship and secured the final qualifying spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
A normally stoic Cantlay couldn’t help but celebrate with the crowd afterward – who chanted “Patty Ice after each clutch putt.” “I’m just as focused as I can be,” Cantlay said after the win to Steve Sands (of Golf Channel). “If I look the way I do, it’s because I’m locked in and focused.”
“It’s so nice to be back with fans, and they were just so supportive all day,” Cantlay said. “They’ve been supportive for the last four days. Just the chants of Patty or Patty Ice, I’m hearing it all week, and it’s fun. It’s great to have them back, and they were awesome today.”
