Golf News

Home

Quizzes

Newsletter

Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Brandt Snedeker makes bold prediction for Patrick Cantlay after impressive showing at Bethpage Black

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 12:53 PM ET

Patrick Cantlay had a disappointing week at Bethpage Black, unable to replicate his strong record from past Ryder Cups.

He arrived with a 5-2-1 record, but left New York 1-3-1 after dropping three matches. Cantlay got off to a solid start, picking up Team USA’s only point on Friday morning alongside Xander Schauffele, and then halving his afternoon match against Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.

But from there, he didn’t register another win and dropped an important singles match to Ludvig Aberg – a point that could have changed the direction of the entire Ryder Cup if it had gone the other way.

Even though things didn’t go well in New York, Cantlay came into the event playing well. He was right in contention at the Tour Championship when Tommy Fleetwood won it and finished T2.

Brandt Snedeker backs Patrick Cantlay for Major breakthrough

Cantlay has played a big role for Team USA over the last three Ryder Cups, even with some controversies along the way. He’s known for being a presence in the team room and usually raises his game during these events.

But even though he’s picked up eight PGA Tour wins, Cantlay is still chasing that first major title. He’s come close, finishing T3 at both the US Open and PGA Championship, and has posted top-10 finishes in every major.

Photo by Michael Reaves/PGA of America/PGA of America via Getty Images

Snedeker believes that if Cantlay can bring that same energy from team play into individual majors, he won’t just win one — he’ll do it in dominant fashion.

Speaking on the Fore Play podcast, Snedeker said: “I walked with Patrick for five matches. The level of golf he played was phenomenal. The quality of ball striking I saw from him was unlike anything I’ve seen. It seems like he does that in every team competition.”

“I keep pushing him to pull a little bit out in the major, and you’re going to win by 10. It’s not even going to be close because of the quality of golf I saw him have.”

Cantlay had a strong session on Friday afternoon when his putter got hot, gaining +1.2 strokes on the greens. But outside of that stretch, it was a tough weekend overall.

At no point was he Team USA’s standout player during an event, and on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, he had the second-worst performance in strokes gained.

While Snedeker’s words were supportive, there’s still work ahead if Cantlay wants to get over that line – let alone win by 10 shots.

Patrick Cantlay needs to address key weaknesses before winning a major

While Cantlay’s iron play remains a strong part of his game, other areas haven’t kept up. The American averaged just +0.07 strokes gained around the greens in 2025, his lowest mark since 2014.

He does rely on his irons and usually finds the green, but when he misses, he struggles to recover. That lack of consistency becomes a real issue when competing against players like Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler at the top of the sport.

Cantlay was one of the best iron players on tour last season, gaining +0.77 strokes on approach in 2025, which helped keep him in contention around most courses.

But until he elevates those other parts of his game, consistent trophy hunts will remain out of reach.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: