The 73rd Hole: US Open & Open Championship predictions, Koepka validates LIV Golf, more after PGA Championship

3. Stop letting Patrick Cantlay’s finish fool the process in majors

Speaking of yellow on the Wikipedia page, Patrick Cantlay added some to his and added to a string of finishes at majors that is, on the surface, solid. He now has four total Top 10 finishes in majors, including two of his last three, and has finished T14 or better in each of the last four major championships. When you just look at that, you would still think a player of his talent maybe should have a win by now, but he’s not been uncompetitive.

Except that he has. His finishes, for the most part, are a mirage, and the PGA Championship was no different.

Sitting at T18 after a 3-under second round and being +1 for the tournament, Cantlay had the opportunity to make a move on Saturday. Instead, he faded from the moment with a 2-over round that put him nine strokes off the lead and completely out of contention. He then shot 4-under in the final round to climb back into the Top 5.

At The Masters this year, Cantlay shot an impressive 4-under 68 in the third round to jump to solo fourth entering the final 18 holes only to eject with a 3-over round and fall to T14. The Open was no different, sitting eight strokes off the lead and firing off a 4-under round on Sunday to get onto the first page of the leaderboard.

For whatever reason, Patrick Cantlay is not a major championship golfer. He’s fooled many into believing that he can contend with these finishes, but they are fool’s gold. And until we see him deliver, even in the way that Hovland did on Sunday at Oak Hill, it won’t be me buying into him at the four biggest events of the year.