Do you like unconventional golf swings? Are you into the unordinary on the course? Is Jim Furyk your muse? If so, we’ve got good news for you.
This week at the Shriners Children’s Open, one of the wackiest swings you’ll ever see is making its pro debut, courtesy of Patrick Welch.
Welch is a fifth-year senior at the University of Oklahoma, by way of Aliso Viejo, Calif., and on Thursday, he’s set to tee it up on the PGA Tour for the first time. When he does, he’s sure to turn some heads.
You see, Welch does things a little differently on the course. Instead of gripping the club conventionally (trail hand below the lead hand), he does the opposite. Oh, and he wears gloves on both of his hands.
The story goes that Welch began this unorthodox approach when he first picked up a club at the age of 3, and he’s stuck with it ever since. A lot of players use left-hand low when putting or doing a one-off drill (and Matt Fitzpatrick uses it for chipping), but Welch does it for each and every swing. It’s certainly unconventional, but the decision has paid off.
Throughout his career in Norman, Welch has been a mainstay in OU’s starting five. During his freshman season, he set the program record for scoring average at 70.93 on his way to a T11 finish at the NCAA Championships. Since then, he’s been named to two All-American teams and has earned two collegiate victories to boot. He also currently tops the PGA Tour U standings.
One of those victories came last March at the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas, which earned him an exemption into the Shriners Children’s Open.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had this feeling,” Welch told Golfweek at the time. “Ever since I started golfing, I’ve always wanted to make it to the PGA Tour. To have this opportunity means the world.”
Welch is set to tee off at 4:41 p.m. ET on Thursday alongside Philip Knowles and Scott Harrington. If you’re into unconventional golf swings, you’d be wise to tune in.
