Patrick Cantlay says what he really thinks about the course at Pinehurst after the US Open

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Patrick Cantlay certainly battled hard at the US Open, with the American starting off particularly strongly.

The 32-year-old fired himself into contention immediately with a superb opening-round 65, although that was followed by a second-round 71.

But two rounds of 70 followed on the final two days, helping Cantlay to a tied-third finish on four-under with Tony Finau.

The pair finished just one shot behind second-placed Rory McIlroy and just two behind champion Bryson DeChambeau.

It was a fantastic effort from Cantlay, who would have been well aware of just how difficult the course at Pinehurst was going to be.

Patrick Cantlay shares honest Pinehurst verdict after the US Open

The North Carolina course is well known for being one of the toughest tests in world golf, with the greens especially causing difficulty this time around.

Legendary figure Tiger Woods warned his fellow professionals about those greens before the competition got underway, but many still struggled over the four days.

But looking back on the tournament and the venue in particular, Cantlay has expressed his delight and is already looking ahead to a Pinehurst return.

“The fans were great this week,” Cantlay said in a press conference. “I thought the venue was great.

“The golf course was in perfect US Open shape so I am looking forward to the next time it’s here.”

Patrick Cantlay to challenge Bryson DeChambeau at The Open?

Cantlay will be happy with his showing in North Carolina, but like his fellow professionals, he will already be looking ahead to The Open.

The final major of the year will take place next month, with the iconic Royal Troon in Scotland hosting the famous competition.

Cantlay will be hoping for a start similar to that of Pinehurst, which should put him in contention once more, with the American in fine form in 2024 overall.

He has now made the cut in 13 of his 14 events, with three top-10 finishes and seven top-25 finishes going his way.

But his compatriot DeChambeau heads into the tournament in better shape thanks to his win at Pinehurst, with the big-hitting American now well-placed to shine at Troon.

That is, at least, the view of Sky Sports pundit Dame Laura Davies, who believes the US Open champion will ‘love’ the course.

The LIV Golf star began his 2024 major pursuit with a tied-sixth finish at the Masters, before producing an even better showing at the PGA Championship, where he shot 20-under to finish second.