Patrick Fishburn, a former BYU golfer from Ogden, Utah, is set to make his debut at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Golf Club. This marks a significant milestone in his career, joining fellow Utahn Tony Finau in the prestigious tournament. Fishburn’s journey to this point has been filled with dedication, and support from fellow golfers.
Fishburn is leaning on advice from Tony Finau, Zac Blair, and Daniel Summerhays as he prepares for the major tournament. The course at Quail Hollow presents challenges, but Fishburn is optimistic about how his strengths align with the course’s layout. This article dives into Fishburn’s journey, his preparation, and his thoughts as he embarks on this exciting chapter.
From Fremont High to Quail Hollow: Patrick Fishburn’s Journey
Patrick Fishburn’s path to the PGA Championship wasn’t straightforward. Despite missing the cut at the Myrtle Beach Classic, Fishburn saw it as a blessing in disguise, allowing him to travel to Charlotte early and prepare for Quail Hollow. He acknowledges the importance of familiarizing himself with the course, especially given the rainy conditions that limited his initial practice time.
Having grown up on a horse farm outside of Ogden, Fishburn was a high school basketball star before dedicating himself to golf. His journey included a two-year church mission in Nashville, Tennessee, before turning professional in 2018. This diverse background contributes to his grounded perspective and determination on the course.
“Obviously, you grow up in golf dreaming of playing in the majors, so this is a dream come true,” Fishburn said. His words reflect the culmination of years of hard work and the realization of a long-held aspiration.
Utah Connections: Leaning on Finau, Blair, and Summerhays
Fishburn is not alone in this journey, fellow Utahn Tony Finau will also be competing. Finau and Fishburn even played a practice round together. Beyond Finau, Fishburn values the mentorship of Zac Blair and Daniel Summerhays, all fellow BYU golfers. Summerhays, who is currently rehabbing, will be present at Quail Hollow to offer support and guidance. His third-place finish in the 2016 PGA Championship provides valuable insights for Fishburn.
“I lean a lot on all those guys. They have been huge mentors for me,” Fishburn said. “Asking questions and getting advice is something I have done for a lot of years. I haven’t been afraid to learn from really everyone… Those guys have always been extremely good to me in providing information and being mentors for me. I am lucky to have those three guys to look up to.”
This network of support highlights the close-knit community of Utah golfers and the importance of mentorship in navigating the challenges of professional golf.
Quail Hollow: A Course Suited to Fishburn’s Strengths
Fishburn believes Quail Hollow suits his game, emphasizing the course’s length and the strengths it demands. The 7,626-yard layout is “an unbelievable venue, probably the biggest property I have played a tournament on. It is massive,” he said. He’s long off the tee and is not afraid to attack the course with driver in hand.
He also noted that several people have compared the course to Augusta National, further enhancing his excitement. He hopes that his ability to powerfully drive the ball will give him an edge on the course.
Putting Tweaks: Finding Solutions on the Green
Acknowledging recent struggles with his putting, Fishburn believes he has identified the issue: incorrect loft and lie angle on his putter. This discovery has led to “some little tweaks I have made around the greens, just chipping and putting and just scoring the ball the last two days have really helped.”
Beyond the technical adjustments, Fishburn emphasizes the importance of the mental game. “I am more caught up in the process of things than the results. I just know that if I do certain things with each shot, I have a good feeling it will lead to something good,” he said. This focus on process over outcome reflects a mature approach to handling the pressures of a major championship.
A Strong Support System: Family, Friends, and Mentors
Along with Summerhays, Fishburn will have his parents, Steve and Peggy, and some old high school friends cheering him on in North Carolina. His agent, Rob Despain, and former Ogden Golf & Country Club pro Craig Sarlo will also be present.
While his wife, Madison, will be unable to attend due to her pregnancy, she remains a constant source of support. Rob Despain highlighted the significance of this moment, calling it “definitely a milestone in Patrick’s career.”
With a strong support system and a positive mindset, Fishburn is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await him at the PGA Championship. He is optimistic and confident that he can compete at a high level.
Embracing the Moment: Fishburn’s PGA Championship Outlook
Patrick Fishburn’s journey to the PGA Championship is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the support he has received from fellow golfers, family, and friends. As he prepares to tee off at Quail Hollow, he carries with him the pride of Ogden and the encouragement of the Utah golf community.
While Fishburn is realistic about the challenges ahead, he is embracing the moment and focusing on the process. His story is an inspiration to aspiring golfers and a reminder that dreams can be realized with perseverance and the support of a strong community. Keep an eye on Patrick Fishburn as he makes his mark on the PGA Championship!
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