Welch finishes T-9 in S. Highlands Collegiate

By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer

Patrick Welch was unable to defend his title at the Southern Highlands Collegiate tournament Tuesday in Las Vegas.

The Oklahoma Sooner finished 7-under for the tournament after shooting a 1-over 73 in the third round at Southern Highlands Golf Club. Florida’s Yuxin Lin finished 13-under to win the annual event. The winner receives an exemption into the PGA Tour’s Shriners Children’s Open in the fall.

Welch, a former Classical High School standout, and four-time Rhode Island Junior Amateur champion, made a serious run with four birdies on the front side and was one shot back of the lead after nine holes.

However, he posted four bogeys on the back to finish tied for ninth. Overall, the Sooners finished fifth (15-under) in a field of 15 schools. Illinois won the team championship after shooting 21-under.

Last season, Welch carded a 14-under to win the individual title as Oklahoma finished with a team championship. Welch also won the 2020 East Lake Cup.

He’s played in two PGA Tour events. After earning an exemption for last year’s win at Southern Highlands, he tied for 28th (13-under) the Shriners Children’s Open in October. He then missed the cut with 5-over at the Farmers Insurance Open in January at Torrey Pines.