2025 Ryder Cup: It's time to shut down the Patrick Cantlay slander

These are only two examples of the popular movement to keep Cantlay off the U.S. team. Fans on X seem to be unified in this opinion, but it's a moronic one. 

For one, Cantlay's recent struggles are being grossly exaggerated. Despite missing the cut in three of his last six starts, the 33-year-old still ranks 17th in Data Golf's current player rankings. He also ranks 12th on the PGA Tour this season in total strokes gained and strokes gained on approach, seventh in greens in regulation percentage, second in par 4 scoring average and 19th in birdie average. 

Sure, he's missed the cut in three straight major championships, but let's not pretend he's ever been a strong major performer. In 35 career major starts, Cantlay has just 11 top-20 finishes and two top-fives. And his best career finish at a major championship? A T3 at the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black, the host of the 2025 Ryder Cup. 

The most important selling point for Cantlay, though, is his stellar history in team events. The American is a combined 15-6-1 in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup throughout his career.

There aren't many positive memories from Team USA's performance at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy, but Cantlay went 2-2-0 and led the Americans in total strokes gained at the event. He carried Wyndham Clark to a 1-up victory against Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick on Saturday and defeated Justin Rose, 2 & 1, in Sunday singles. 

Cantlay was the only American with a pulse in Italy. He's always been a fierce match-play competitor who plays his best when he's donning the Red, White and Blue. Leaving him off the team in favor of a rookie like Chris Gotterup, Ben Griffin or Maverick McNealy would be a colossal blunder for Bradley and Team USA.