Phil Mickelson’s cheeky jab at Patrick Cantlay’s slow pace during the TOUR Championship highlights the golfing world’s humor. Despite Cantlay’s 26-foot shuffle routine, he finished tied for second at East Lake, three strokes behind Tommy Fleetwood. Meanwhile, Cantlay’s 15th place in the Ryder Cup rankings (6,716.39 points) leaves him chasing a spot in the US team. This video explores the clash of styles, Mickelson’s playful commentary, and the Ryder Cup’s high-stakes drama. #Golf #RyderCup #PhilMickelson #PatrickCantlay
Golf isn’t always as satisfying to watch as you might expect, especially when it comes to Patrick Kentlay. On paper, Kentlay is a phenomenal player, boasting eight PGA Tour victories and a reputation as one of the world’s top performers. Yet, with his lengthy pre-shot routines and painfully slow pace, he’s also become famous for something else. being quite simply one of the most tedious figures on the course. But here’s where things get a little spicy. His pace of play has sparked frustration among fans all over social media. And now the legendary Phil Mickelson has chimed in, adding fuel to the fire. Just before Keegan Bradley’s Rder Cup press conference, Mickelson took a playful jab at Kantlay, sharing a video of the golfer methodically shuffling his feet before a shot at the Tour Championship. While Mikkelson’s post was tongue and cheek, he didn’t just poke fun, he threw a curveball that might just change how you look at golfers as athletes. So, what exactly did Phil say? He shuffled his right foot 26 times. Mickelson posted on X, formerly Twitter. 26 times before he hit it. 26 times for 36 other shots adds up to 936 foot shuffles. That’s more calf raises than I’ll ever do. You have to be in top physical shape to pull this off every day. So maybe it’s time people recognize that golfers are athletes, too. And this is something most people miss. While Kantlay’s meticulous habits drew laughs and groans, they didn’t quite bring him the weekend glory he might have hoped for. At the Tour Championship at East Lake, he finished tied for second, matching Russell Henley at 15 under par, but still three shots behind Tommy Fleetwood. In a twist worthy of a screenplay, Fleetwood’s triumph marked his first ever PGA Tour win on his 164th try, no less, netting him a staggering $10 million in prize money. His breakthrough couldn’t be more perfectly timed, as he’ll ride that momentum straight into September’s Ryder Cup, having secured a guaranteed spot on team Europe. But what about Kantlay? Will he make the Ryder Cup team as well? Nothing is certain yet for him. With the US squad shaping up under Keegan Bradley’s leadership at Beth Page Black, six Americans, Scotty Sheoffller, JJ Spawn, Xander Schoffley, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson Dambo have already locked in their places. That leaves Kantley nervously waiting, hoping his name is called as one of Bradley’s six discretionary picks. As it stands, Kantlay is ranked 15th in the US Rider Cup standings with 6716.39 points, still over a thousand behind Cam Young in 14th. However, Kantlay’s prior Rder Cup pedigree. He was a pivotal part of the US’s dominant 2021 win, earning 3.5 points could play in his favor. Ready for some predictions? Here’s how the likely Rder Cup teams look. Team USA automatic qualifiers. Scotty Sheoffller, JJ Spawn, Xander Schoffley, Russell Henley, Bryson Desambo, Harris English. Projected captain’s picks, Justin Thomas, Ben Griffin, Keegan Bradley. Player captain Patrick Kentlay, Sam Burns, Colin Morawa. Team Europe automatic qualifiers: Rory Mroy, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Robert McIntyre, Tierrell Hatton, Rasmus Holgard. Projected captain’s picks Shane Lowry, John Rom, Victor Havland, Levig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Sept Straka. Remember, Kentlay contributed mightily in 2021 with Team USA at Whistling Straits, but 2023 was a different story. Europe regained the cup, prevailing 16.5 to 11.5. And here’s the point that divides fans and experts alike. Should Kantlay’s Rder Cup experience and steady presence outweigh fan frustration with his slow play? Or should the team favor players who keep up the pace, excite crowds, and eliminate distractions? Where do you stand? Let us know in the comments. Are you #team Kantlay, or do you want to see fresher, faster faces on golf’s biggest stage? Don’t hold back. This one always gets people talking. Get ready. The 2025 RDER Cup kicks off on September 26th. The countdown and the debate has already begun.
