Multiple European Tour winner calls for Patrick Cantlay to be hit with huge fine

For years Bryson DeChambeau was public enemy number one on the PGA Tour over an apparent unwillingness to shout 'fore'. 

Perhaps Patrick Cantlay can take up that mantle after the American infuriated a number of golf fans on social media for apparently not warning spectators of his errant shots during the first round of the Genesis Invitational. 

Cantlay, for the most part, had a superb day at Riviera Country Club. 

Related: Cantlay against controversial golf rule change

He returned a scorecard of 7-under 64 but he did have a sloppy finish, making bogey at the par-3 16th after a blemish-free 15 holes.

And he was all over the place down the long, par-4 18th. First, his tee shot was pulled left and it ended up hitting the ball spotter on the backside. 

The spotter, it has to be said, seem to be nonplussed about the moment. 

Cantlay's next stroke also needed a fore shout as his approach came out hot from the thick rough. 

At the last moment, Cantlay appeared to warn the spectators, which angered multiple users on X. 

"All players on all tours need to warn the public a lot more than they do," one wrote. 

Former professional golfer Tony Johnstone went in a bit harder: "Back-to-back shots and Cantlay hits a ball-spotter and then spectators around the green.

"Would a shout of 'fore' be out of the question?" 

One user replied to Johnstone stating that had Cantlay shouted fore then his ball likely wouldn't have found a fortunate bounce back onto the green. 

To which the six-time European Tour winner replied: "Correct. Should be nailed with a huge fine."

Cantlay is a divisive figure on the PGA Tour. He has attracted criticism over the years for allegedly playing too slowly. 

He memorably was called out by Brooks Koepka during the final round of the 2023 Masters over his pace of play. 

For his part he has defended himself against the claims, insisting he is deliberate and not a dawdler. 

"I think that's just the nature of playing professional golf," he previously said. "Every shot matters so much."

What are your thoughts on this topic? Is Cantlay just an easy target? Share your thoughts on our social media channels. 

Leader by two, @Patrick_Cantlay. pic.twitter.com/eoVsNTqtrp

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 15, 2024

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