Chris Patton

Chris Patton is no stranger to USGA Championships. The South Carolina native won the 1989 U.S. Amateur, defeating Danny Green in the 36-hole playoff.
Patton played collegiate golf at Clemson University from 1897-1990. He captured five tournament titles while a Tiger, more than any other golfer in Clemson history. He was a three-time All-American and a three-time All-SEC honoree. In 1989, he would have won the NCAA title, but his second-round score was disqualified after he left the scoring area without signing his scorecard after being asked to leave the area to speak with media. As a result, Arizona State freshman, Phil Mickelson, won the National Championship.
Also in his amateur career, he won the 1986 U.S. Public Links Championship and was a two-time South Carolina State Championship (1985 and 1986). He finished 39th at the 1990 Masters to become the low amateur for the tournament.
He turned pro in 1990 and played around the world for nearly 15 years, winning tournaments on the Web.com, Canadian and Australian tours, but he never earned status on the PGA Tour.
Patton retired in 2004 due to chronic injuries to his fingers and left shoulder, also allowing him to spend more time with his mother, Linda, who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer shortly after his retirement.
He currently runs his family's farm in South Carolina.
His son, Colby, followed in his father's footsteps and has gone on to play golf at Clemson where he just completed his freshman season. He will serve as Patton's caddie at the 2018 U.S. Senior Open.