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The second round of the 2024 Genesis Invitational concluded overnight at the Riviera Country Club, with one clear leader emerging. Patrick Cantlay, the 31-year-old Californian, capitalized on a drop in form from his closest rivals, surging ahead with a score of -13: 64 65 is what his card reads so far.
He started the second round with an eagle, followed by four birdies, clearly demonstrating his current state of form.
Genesis, results
Losing ground and trailing by five shots are Luke List and Australian Jason Day, who are also joined by Canadian Mackenzie Hughes at -8.
For the 33-year-old from Hamilton, a -6 for the day, matching Cantlay's performance. His compatriot Corey Conners also manages to achieve the same score, standing alone in fifth place at -7. Only Americans occupy the sixth spot at -6: Will Zalatoris, Xander Schauffele, and Tom Hoge.
Ninth at -5 are Tony Finau and Japanese Hideki Matsuyama. Also in the group at -4, tied for eleventh, is someone who managed to score -6 for the day: Max Homa. The round is also notable for the withdrawal of perhaps the most anticipated figure, Tiger Woods.
His withdrawal occurred directly on the course due to flu-like symptoms suffered by the 15-time Major champion. As for the battle for the number one spot, Scottie Scheffler is 11th at -4, while Rory McIlroy is 31st (but climbing) at -2.
Cantlay was born in Long Beach, California, to Steve and Colleen (Naylan) Cantlay. He has a sister, Caroline, and two brothers, Nick and Jack Cantlay. He attended Servite High School, where he clinched the California State High School Championship title as a senior.
During his freshman year at UCLA, Cantlay had a stellar performance, winning four tournaments and receiving the Haskins Award for the most outstanding college golfer in 2011. He was also honored with the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Division I Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year award.
Cantlay further garnered the Phil Mickelson Award as the GCAA National Freshman of the Year, along with being recognized as the Pac-10 Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Additionally, he clinched the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the top-ranked amateur globally by the end of the 2011 season, earning him an invitation to the 2012 Open Championship.
Cantlay secured a spot in the 2011 U.S. Open through sectional qualifying, where he emerged as one of three amateurs to make the cut. He showcased his talent with impressive rounds, including a back-nine 30, finishing in a tie for 21st and claiming the title of low amateur.
Shortly after, he set a record in PGA Tour history by an amateur, shooting a course record 60 at the Travelers Championship. Cantlay continued his success by finishing as the low amateur at subsequent events, including the AT&T National and the RBC Canadian Open.
In August 2011, Cantlay reached the finals of both the Western Amateur and the U.S. Amateur, earning him a coveted spot in the 2012 Masters Tournament, where he finished as the low amateur. His remarkable performances led to him becoming the world number 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking on March 23, 2011, holding the record for most consecutive weeks at number one, with 54 weeks. He also represented the United States at the 2011 Walker Cup, where he posted a 2–1–1 record.