USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2022; La Quinta, California, USA; Patrick Cantlay lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first round of the American Express golf tournament at La Quinta Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2022; La Quinta, California, USA; Patrick Cantlay lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first round of the American Express golf tournament at La Quinta Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
The theme of mid-round interviews is certainly new to golf. While we are treated to press conferences almost every day, the need for another one with the golfer on the course seems overreaching. Yet, it’s an interesting concept to get insight into, which has already found a backer in Farmers Insurance Open winner, Max Homa. But others might be more restrained, with Patrick Cantlay being the latest to refuse the latest norm.
Patrick Cantlay backs out of mid-round interviews
The 2021 FedEx Cup winner made his intentions clear ahead of the WM Phoenix Open. “Yeah, I saw that,” he said. “Probably not something for me, but I think it’s great that those guys who want to do it are able to give those insights while they’re out there playing.”
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But why wasn’t Cantlay interested in the new all-access segment? It is a question of confidence, said the 30-year-old.
“For me I just feel like I’m so focused on what I’m doing when I’m out there that I don’t want or need any other distractions,” Cantlay said. “For some guys, that may be exactly what they want to do, but for me, I think I just want to focus on the golf while I’m out there.”
USA Today via Reuters
May 8, 2022; Potomac, Maryland, USA; Max Homa kisses the Championship Trophy after winning the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Others have similarly voiced their opinions on the subject to varying opinions. But the fans have loved it, with Homa and broadcaster CBS ushering in their out-of-the-box creative thinking.
Patrick Cantlay said yesterday that he will not be doing any mid-round interviews like Homa did. Probably best for all parties. He’d be mega uncomfortable, and the content of that interview wouldn’t exactly be riveting.
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) February 8, 2023
For the unversed, 32-year-old Homa walked up with an ear pod after the 13th hole at the Farmers Insurance Open and casually gave his insights on the game. He answered strategy-related questions from the booth and even walked through the live gameplay on the screen. Homa’s candid approach while playing attracted viewers, but his win at the Torrey Pines made it a sweet moment for all involved.
Fans react to Cantlay’s refusal
Reacting to the news, fans were quick to point out Homa’s analysis, which was beneficial for the viewers. Others felt the move was more of a stunt to counter the threat of the upcoming LIV Golf Series, while some felt that caddies deserved to be interviewed as well. Here’s a selection of such tweets.
That would be a great way to have even more people dozing off during the broadcast. pic.twitter.com/gcNsHIANy3
— Brysandel DeChamblee (@brysandel) February 8, 2023
I'd suggest interviewing the caddies more, but the more I stew on it, their sole job is to adhere to the player. I suppose the player-to-player variance in dependability on ones caddy could dictate a caddy's willingness to offer time spent w/ interviewer.
— UnclePoodle (@UncleHorndawg) February 8, 2023
Trying to counter the LIV effect. The PGA now seems so desperate for interesting content. Even at the expense of taking a player out of his zone on-course. Imagine Tiger having to do a nosy interview while leading the Masters at Amen corner… not happening.
— Coopervon (@CoopervonZinda) February 8, 2023
I know of no one who finds PC remotely interesting so no loss there!
— Apollo Vermouth (@McbillsonBill) February 8, 2023
I think caddie conversations should be added. And you definitely have to have people who are extroverts doing in round interview. #GolfisHard
— Rafael J Díaz (@MrRafaelDiaz) February 8, 2023
I mean, Cantlay has all the personality of a mud puddle, but the golf dork in me would LOVE listening to that guy walk through his analysis of a shot.
Also, I don’t begrudge any guy who says no to this, but it is absolutely additive as a viewer.
— Mike (@burnitallagain) February 8, 2023
It’s not for everyone and we all need to realize that. I appreciate him saying so – best for all involved. No knock against him either. Only do this with pros willing to give the audience something and just go with the flow. If it affects your play and mindset, then don’t.
— Frank Imschweiler (@fimschweiler) February 8, 2023
“And now down to the corse where we have Patrick Cantlay as he walks to his second shot” pic.twitter.com/HGE7i8yxJU
— Patrick (@paddylonglegs_) February 8, 2023
Cantlay is a considered, interesting and often funny interviewee in my opinion. I do think he’d be a bit more rigid during a round though.
— Nick Causer (@nickcauser92) February 8, 2023
Cantlay would be a snooze fest. Would be great to get any of the following sooner rather than later: JT. Spieth. Rickie. Rory. Finau. Rahm. Dahmen (and Caddie). Xander.
— Mark Scelfo (@markscelfo) February 8, 2023
I hate these mid round interviews. Unless you get Homa or Eddie Pepperell , they are very dull indeed
— Hazel Rogers (@HazelRo33428543) February 8, 2023
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We all win. Dude is talented, but has a personality more wooden than a persimmon driver.
— Joe R (@Joe3point0) February 8, 2023
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What do you think about Cantlay rejecting the idea of mid-round interviews? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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