The 'blank stare' is Patrick Cantlay's go-to response when challenged about his play

ST. LOUIS – It’s hard to fathom that it has been exactly four years to the day that Patrick Cantlay won the last of his eight PGA Tour titles. Cantlay successfully defended his title in the 2023 BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club in Delaware the year after he won the FedEx Cup title.

But the phlegmatic California native only shrugs in response to inquiries about his extended absence from trophy ceremonies. “That's just something that, you know, it comes in stretches,” he said, allowing that it had felt like it had been a while since his last win. “I've won a lot really quick and had some time in between some wins.”

His face betrayed not a hint of emotion or annoyance, living up to his “Patty Ice” nickname splendidly.

More than once Friday after a second-round five-under 65 in the BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club he mentioned the value of patience. That virtue was important as he made the turn even par. He needed to make a move. At 43rd in the FedEx Cup standings, Cantlay doesn’t have the luxury of too much more patience. So he began the back nine with three straight birdies, added another at the 14th and finished with two more after a three-putt bogey at the par-3 16th. The inward 30 was tied for best of the day with Scottie Scheffler.

“I think I did a good job of that today,” he said. “Not making much on the front nine and then being able to make a few putts on the back nine. It's just a mindset.”

At eight-under 132, Cantlay has at least given himself a chance to, um, break the ice. Just as important, he has inched closer to advancing to the Tour Championship for the ninth time in 10 seasons.

Important, right?

“I would say almost regardless of where I'm at, top of the FedEx Cup or on the bubble, I don't really think about it,” said Cantlay, 34. “I definitely know the best way to move up that board is to play well this week and so I just put all my attention there.”

That also goes for making the U.S. Presidents Cup team. “Yeah, same exact thing,” said Cantlay, who has played in each of the last three editions of both the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup. “Both those things are a little out of my control. What is in my control is to play as well as I can this week.”

Cantlay expressed his eagerness to play in this year’s Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club near Chicago. He sits 17th in the points standings, so he would have to rely on a wild-card selection from U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker. Missing the Tour Championship would seriously dent his candidacy.

In essence, Cantlay wants to make it difficult for Snedeker to leave him at home: “Yep, that’s the goal.”

Xander Schauffele, his regular partner in two-man games, has offered encouragement in recent weeks without putting any pressure on his friend. “I talk to him as much as good friends talk about those things,” said Schauffele, who is ninth and likely to make the team via a captain’s pick.

Given his close relationship with Cantlay, Schauffele was asked if he has needled his friend at all about the matter. “If you want to get a blank stare, that’s an easy way to do it,” Schauffele replied with a chuckle. “He’s been playing a lot better of late. I just hope he keeps it going. He does like this tournament, you know.”

Two more strong rounds and Cantlay can earn a ticket to East Lake Golf Club. From there, anything can happen. Literally. The points accumulated throughout the season are wiped clean and all 30 competitors start from scratch. So the chance is there.

“I feel like the game's been trending, feeling more comfortable definitely with my irons,” Cantlay said. “Yeah, I just got to get hot with the putter. If you put a week together with good ball striking and then you get hot on the putting green, then that's usually your best finishes of the year. So trying to stay patient but feel like everything's turning in the right direction.”

He showed a hint of a grin when he said that. But only a hint.