The 2021 BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in recent PGA TOUR history. The tournament, held from August 26 to 29, 2021, saw Patrick Cantlay claim victory in dramatic fashion after a six-hole sudden-death playoff against Bryson DeChambeau.
Cantlay’s performance was historic—not only did he shoot a remarkable 27-under-par for 72 holes, but he also set a new benchmark for putting prowess on the PGA TOUR. Over the course of the week, Cantlay made more than 537 feet of putts and gained 14.58 strokes on the field with his putting, the highest ever recorded in a 72-hole PGA event since the TOUR began tracking the statistic in 2004. He carded an incredible 31 birdies, yet needed every single one to keep pace with DeChambeau, who matched his score in regulation play. The playoff was a test of nerves, with Cantlay finally sinking an 18-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to secure the win and his third title of the season.
The final leaderboard was packed with big names. DeChambeau finished runner-up, while Rory McIlroy, Sungjae Im, and Erik van Rooyen all posted top-five finishes. Other notable performances included Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia, who tied for sixth. The tournament boasted a $9.5 million purse, with Cantlay earning $1.71 million for his victory. For a detailed breakdown of scores and prize money, visit the official PGA TOUR leaderboard.
This victory was a turning point in Cantlay’s career, not only propelling him up the FedEx Cup standings but also earning him the fan nickname “Patty Ice” for his cool demeanor under pressure. His performance at Caves Valley remains a reference point for putting excellence on the PGA TOUR, with his long-time coach Jamie Mulligan and new putting coach Phil Kenyon both highlighting the rarity of such a dominant display. Since then, Cantlay’s putting stats have seen some decline, but he remains a key contender in major events, especially as he returns to Caves Valley for future championships.
The 2021 BMW Championship will be remembered as a classic, both for its statistical milestones and the intensity of its playoff duel. For more insights, see the Golfweek feature on Cantlay’s putting performance and the full 2021 BMW Championship leaderboard.