Cromwell, CT

Patrick Cantlay has some fond memories of TPC River Highlands and he figured it was as good a place as any to make the next step in his golf career.

The world's top-ranked amateur, Cantlay formally announced that he is turning professional.

The announcement comes two days after the 20-year-old former UCLA star tied for 41st at the U.S. Open.

"I have a tremendous passion and respect for the game of golf and can't wait for the challenge of taking my game to the next level," Cantlay said.

Awarded the 2011 Mark H. McCormack Medal as the world's number one amateur, Cantlay will make his first appearance as a pro at this week's Travelers Championship. He played the event last year and showed the pro game was not far off.

He shot a course-record 60 in the second round at TPC River Highlands and it was the lowest score ever recorded on the PGA Tour by an amateur.

Apparently that round started the process that brought Cantlay to Tuesday's decision. he has had success in other events, tying for 21st as the low amateur at the U.S. Open in 2011 and posting a tie for ninth at the Canadian Open. But it was his sizzling round here that was an eye opener.

"I realized for the first time that if I played really well, I could compete on any stage," said Cantlay.

Cantlay has signed with the same agent as Tiger Woods, Mark Steinberg of Excel Sports Management.

"Patrick is an outstanding individual, as well as an exceptional talent who already has proven success at the professional level," Steinberg said. "We are excited to work with him in this new chapter of his golf career."

 

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