The PGA were told to issue a “massive fine” to Patrick Cantlay for his failure to shout “fore” this time last year. Tony Johnstone, the former Presidents Cup vice-captain, believes that Cantlay should have faced a hefty penalty after he neglected to yell “fore” during the first round of the Genesis Invitational.
At the time, Cantlay led with an impressive seven-under-par 64 at the Riviera Country Club, but his lack of etiquette did not sit well with six-time European winner Johnstone. This was due to Cantlay’s disregard for one of golf’s unspoken rules following two poor shots on the final hole.
The previous FedEx Cup champion’s tee shot on the 18th veered left and struck a ball-spotter, while his subsequent shot strayed towards spectators near the green. Cantlay failed to shout “fore” after his initial errant shot, and it appeared he also neglected to do so after his second, until another member of his group belatedly did so.
Golfers are told to shout “fore” to warn spectators and other individuals near the course to be avoid a wayward shot.
An irate Johnstone took to X to voice his displeasure about the tournament leader: “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?”
He later added: “[He] should be nailed with a massive fine.”
At the time, Cantlay’s behaviour was coming under question, particularly following his villainous performance at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Reports claimed that the 38-year-old golfer was causing trouble in Team USA’s locker room in Rome. It was claimed he was disgruntled due to not being paid to represent his country.
This was swiftly followed by further rumours about Cantlay, with some suggesting he had ambitions to ‘take over’ the PGA Tour’s Policy Board. He is currently a player director on the board.
They are in discussions with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) about resolving their dispute with LIV Golf. Cantlay addressed these rumours at the close of 2023, dismissing them as false.
“I just don’t think you can trust everything you read on the internet,” he told Golf.com last December. “I think if you just look at the facts that are out there, it would be impossible for any one player to take control. I mean, it would be impossible for all the players together to take control.
“We only have half the seats on the board, and any major vote around any of the things we’ve been talking about requires a two-thirds majority.
“And also, considering that the Tour has hired (investment bank) Allen and Co., and given the Tour has been driving discussions since even before the framework agreement was announced, I mean, given that set of facts it’s just impossible for that to be the case.”
