Adam Scott hits out at journalist over Patrick Cantlay barb

Adam Scott has called out journalist Eamon Lynch over “faceless speculation” in his biting recent article about Patrick Cantlay.

The former world No.1 took to Instagram, sharing a screengrab and tearing down the controversial article written by Golfweek writer Lynch.

In his article, Lynch claims that world No.4 Cantlay has been attempting to “rally players against” the PGA Tour’s framework deal with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

Cantlay, a PGA Tour player policy board member, is said to be unhappy over the possible “merger” that will see golf’s warring factions join together as one for-profit commercial entity.

• Pepperell: Home support vital for DP World Tour

• Rose: British Masters win was my most emotional

The American had long been linked with a move to LIV Golf over the last 18 months, but has decided to remain loyal to the PGA Tour despite not completely dismissing the rival circuit.

And Cantlay has been subjected to conjecture over his alleged current stance, with Lynch suggesting he is frustrated that he will not be able to enjoy any benefits from having leverage over his circuit.

Lynch wrote: “The logic of Cantlay’s coup d’etat is that if LIV disappears as a threat — a likely occurrence under the deal — then players like him have no options, no leverage over the Tour, and no prospects for the lucrative payday to which they feel entitled.”

Scott, a 14-time PGA Tour winner who is chairman on the Player Advisory Council, has now come to Cantlay’s defence in a striking social media post.

The Australian, who recently said that he is “caught up emotionally” in the PGA Tour-Saudi deal, questioned Lynch over the timing of his “cheap shot.”

“These are serious times for golf and there are many serious matters,” Scott said. “Should articles like this form part of the debate?

• Tour pro slams authorities over ‘fake’ slow play battle

“Putting aside personal barbs and fluffy adjectives would be helpful, dealing with facts presented with integrity far superior.

“Talk of a Cantlay coup d’etat – really? Perhaps some proof rather than faceless speculation.

“Cheap shots at players “value of charisma”? Clearly, many companies value the players.

“Those players must be entitled to some time and information to decide what is palatable and what is not, after an about-face of Tour management policy.

“The process will likely be best served with objectivity and truth.”

EDIT

Subsequent to the publication of this piece, three more players – Rickie Fowler, Will Zalatoris and Justin Thomas – have shared the exact same post as Scott on their own social media platforms.