Cross-Handed College Player To Make PGA Tour Debut

The field for this week’s Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin may seem fairly standard, but one player is sure to make an impact thanks to his cross-handed grip. 

Patrick Welch, who is a fifth-year senior at the University of Oklahoma, has a special exemption this week. However, what sets him apart from his fellow competitors is the unusual grip he uses for every shot. Per a Golf Digest report from 2021, Welch started gripping his clubs that way because he did the same when holding a baseball bat. He then continued with the grip despite being advised against it. 

The 22-year-old can count being named in two All-American teams among his achievements, and, following March's win in the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas that earned him the exemption, it’s hard to argue that his decision to continue with the grip has paid off.

Welch – who also wears two gloves - isn’t the only PGA Tour player to try a cross-handed grip. US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick famously chips cross-handed - a technique he’s used to great effect since 2020. While it’s early days for Welch’s career, no doubt if he goes onto enjoy anything like the success of the World No.10 in the years to come, his decision will be more than vindicated. 

For now, Welch is just delighted to be competing this week. After the win that earned him the exemption for this week’s tournament, he told Golfweek: "I don’t think I’ve ever had this feeling. Ever since I started golfing, I’ve always wanted to make it to the PGA Tour. To have this opportunity means the world."