Patrick Cantlay Weighs In On Georgia's New Sweeping Election Law

Patrick Cantlay Weighs In On Georgia's New Sweeping Election Law

Patrick Cantlay Protests
(Image credit: Getty Images)

American Patrick Cantlay gave his view on the new election laws, stating: "I do know that this tournament in particular does a ton for the community; so that's obvious and important for the folks around here."

Patrick Cantlay Weighs In On Georgia's New Sweeping Election Law

In the November 2020 US elections, Georgia was one of the major factors to President Biden's victory over Donald Trump.

However, last month Georgia Governor, Republican Brian Kemp, imposed voter identification requirements for absentee ballots. This would allow state officials control of local elections boards, limit the use of ballot drop boxes and make it a crime to give or offer voters food and drink as they wait in line to vote.

Last week the MLB (Major League Baseball) decided to move its All-Star Game out of Atlanta in protest of the state's new sweeping election laws, which they believe impose significant new obstacles to voting.

Patrick Cantlay Protests

The MLB decided to move its All-Star Game out of Atlanta in protest of the state's new sweeping election laws. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Following the announcement of the boycott, former US President Barack Obama congratulated the MLB "for taking a stand on behalf of voting rights for all citizens."

Related: Donald Trump Has Lost More Than $315 Million On His Golf Courses, Report Finds

The support was not well received by the Republican party, with a statement on late Friday calling for a boycott of baseball and all of the "woke companies that are interfering with Free and Fair Elections."

With the Masters being a huge part of Georgia, the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is calling on the PGA Tour and Masters Tournament to pull the upcoming event from Augusta National Golf Club in reaction to the recent voting bill.

The NBJC is also urging professional golfers to boycott playing in Georgia until the bill is repealed.

With protests ongoing, some players have voiced their opinions on the matter. American Patrick Cantlay responded to questions on the change in laws in his press conference on Monday.

The 29-year-old said: "I don't know enough about the matter, but I do know that this tournament in particular does a ton for the community; so that's obvious and important for the folks around here.

"I know the tournament is big into doing great things for Augusta, and I think it's a net positive for sure that we're playing and the fact that they do so much for the surrounding area and for growing the game.

"I mean the Drive, Chip & Putt has been a massive success and, watching it yesterday, it's cool to see all of them come around and be able to experience the joy of this place."

Cantlay will be one of the favourites to win the Masters, with the American producing seven top-20 finishes in eight starts.

Related: The Masters Favourites 2021

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x