Classical grad Patrick Welch will make his Korn Ferry Tour season debut this week at the Astara Golf Championship in Colombia.
Welch does not have full status on the Korn Ferry Tour this season, so was not eligible to play in any of the Tour’s first three events.
He was on the alternate list for the season-opening event in the Bahamas, but did not get in.
Given that Welch does not have full status, any and every start he gets it will be important for him to play well to earn points and try to get inside the reshuffle.
Welch tees off at 8:25 a.m. on Thursday with Brandon Hoelzer and Owen Stamper.
Chatfield Back in Action
While Welch is making his debut, former RI Amateur champ Davis Chatfield will look to continue his strong play to start the season.
Chatfield had a top ten finish two weeks ago and a top 20 finish last week, despite a final round 77.
He has been in contention each of the last two weeks.
Chatfield begins round one at 8:05 a.m. alongside Rick Lamb and Norman Xiong.