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World Long Drive: Why you shouldn’t sleep on Wes Patterson

By Colin Mieczkowski

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 20: A close-up of the golf ball, driver and feet of Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand during the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 20, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 20: A close-up of the golf ball, driver and feet of Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand during the second round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on January 20, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /
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The final is here for the Volvik World Long Drive Championship and it looks to be another doozy. The big story has been the rise of Wes Patterson, who is unranked heading into the final eight and he has a solid shot at winning the belt.

Long drivers are amazing with their awe-inspiring strength and unique swings. Even with several upsets in the World Long Drive Championship, none was bigger than Wes Patterson, defeating World No. 2, Ryan Riesbeck.

This, not long after he beat World No. 1 Maurice Allen, to eliminate him from the field. Now, Patterson has an opportunity to make history and upset a group of players who all had upsets of their own, including 20-year-old Kyle Berkshire, whom I will now call the “Human Piston” due to his wild and powerful swing.

Although Patterson isn’t ranked, he’s not a golfer to sleep on. With a smooth swing and great accuracy, the best Cinderella story in all of golf may last to the very end with Patterson shocking the long drive world.

I feel he has a great chance, not just because he had two huge upsets, but how relaxed he seems. World Long Drive will test you both physically and mentally just like in real golf.

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The thing is with most of the long drivers is that they aren’t on live TV all the time like PGA and LPGA Tour pros are. So, when the spotlight is on them, they have to find an inner serenity within their minds in order to combat the pressure.

Patterson seems to have this inner calm the way he carries himself out there. If he can do continue to do that, while keeping the ball straight, you have to like his chances.

In a sport that is full of adrenaline like long drive, being as chill as Patterson can help you win. Yes, you have to swing hard, as your veins start to pop out, but as long as you tune out the noise, your chances of winning grow.

All in all, Patterson is a guy you definitely need to keep an eye out for, win or lose. A couple of other guys to keep an eye out for is the aforementioned Berkshire with his blistering swing, and Will Hogue with his mammoth power.

The final eight will be on Golf Channel at 7 PM CST. Hold on to your hats, and any mini collectible golf club you have, because it’s going to be a heck of a ride.

Next: Omega European Masters Power Rankings

Who do you think will take home the championship belt? Does Wes Patterson have a shot? Let us know in the comments and you can also chat with me on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio.   

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