On Tuesday, UCLA golfer Patrick Cantlay, who just finished his sophomore year, announced his decision to drop his amateur status and turn pro.
Cantlay’s decision to join the professional ranks and sign with an agent means he will no longer be able to play for UCLA.
Cantlay will experience the PGA Tour as a pro almost immediately, as he will enter this week’s Travelers Championship under his new professional status.
One of the reasons Cantlay cites for turning pro at this time is his comfort with the tournament’s course, TPC River Highlands.
“I think this timing makes sense for me, being able to start somewhere where I’m comfortable and I have good memories,” Cantlay said. “And I feel ready and comfortable with being a pro and trying to be as good as I can be.”
This news comes just weeks after UCLA’s second consecutive loss in the quarterfinal of the NCAA Championship’s match play.
Since his freshman year, Cantlay has compiled a long list of accomplishments, including multiple amateur and player of the year awards, low amateur titles at the U.S. Open and Masters and two NCAA Championship appearances.
Aside from Cantlay and Alex Kim, who graduated last week, the Bruins are expected to return all of their players from last season’s roster, in addition to a talented incoming recruiting class.
Compiled by Steven Covella, Bruins Sports senior staff.