Patrick Cantlay Returns to the PGA TOUR

There has been much talk about the return of Tiger Woods from injury this season but there is another phenom ready to return after an even longer absence.  Former world amateur no. 1 Patrick Cantlay is set to return to the PGA TOUR for the first time since 2014.

Cantlay has had a prolonged absence from golf that has been a result of injury and tragedy.  He was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his back in 2013 and was forced to shut down golf activities a year later in 2014.  His comeback route has been delayed, however, because Cantlay has also had to cope with the death of his friend and Caddie, Chris Roth, who died tragically in a hit and run crash in front of him last year.

While these events have threatened to completely derail Cantlay’s promising career, his mind is clear, his back is healthy, and he is ready to get back out onto the golf course.  And if Cantlay can recapture his former form, that is a scary thought for other players.  Still only 24, Cantlay has already done remarkable work on the Tour, such as finishing tied for 21st as a 19-year-old at the 2011 U.S. Open and shooting an amateur record 60 at the 2011 Traveler’s Open.

Being able to get back out on the course is a huge accomplishment for Cantlay but he isn’t going to rush too fast back into the game.  Cantlay told The Orange County Register: “I am ready to play, but we have to start slow and go from there.  It is going to be fun.  It has been a long time coming.”

Patrick Cantlay has watched some young peers find success. Now he’s back from injury and seeking his own. My column: http://t.co/S5Cr7wqHuj

— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelESPN) May 14, 2014

One thing that Cantlay has going for him is the fact that young players have been thriving on the Tour this year and starting to carve out their own legacy in the PGA.  Cantlay still has the talent and if he is able to recapture it this season, there is no reason he can’t be the next young star to win his first tournament.

Cantlay will look to begin his comeback tour with a strong showing at Pebble Beach this week, where he has played once in his career and finished tied for ninth in the AT&T National.

Cover Image via Twitter