Justin Thomas, Fowler & Co ‘Want to Beat the Crap Out of Each Other’ as Real Dynamic Between the Best Friends Comes Out

Friendly rivalries between top golf players are often entertaining for most fans. When a bunch of high-ranked pros become a friend group that often indulges in competitive practice golf, it becomes an event on its own. We have seen many such amazing friend circles in the past. The best ones that come to our minds are the Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, and Lee Westwood foursome, and the exciting duo of Ernie Els and Louis Oosthuizen.

For pro golfers Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, and Xander Schauffele, casual weekend rounds are anything but relaxed. As close friends and fierce competitors, they play to keep each other sharp, with stakes that feel as high as a tournament, even if it’s just for a $20 prize. Recently, Cantlay opened up about these intense games, describing how the group’s competitive spirit ignites each match, turning it into an all-out battle where, as he puts it, “no one wants to lose.”

Living close to each other, they often meet up for weekend rounds that push their skills to the edge. “We really, really want to beat the crap out of each other,” Cantlay revealed, adding that the pressure feels real because they’re facing “world-class players” every time.

This friendly but intense rivalry fuels each player’s drive, ensuring they stay at the top of their game. The juniors at Cantlay’s recent coaching clinic got an inside look at his practice routine, which includes fine-tuning his technique mid-week before diving into these competitive rounds on weekends. For fans, it’s a rare glimpse into how these top golfers push each other beyond their limits—keeping the game alive with both camaraderie and competition.