Ginnity ready to step into spotlight
St. Bernard's golfer thrilled to qualify for United States Junior Amateur Championship
FITCHBURG » For St. Bernard’s student-athlete Patrick “Patch” Ginnity, it’s his time to shine.
Talking to anyone in the St. Bernard’s athletic community about Ginnity, they will tell you about his commitment to success, both on the field and off.
When the new school year begins, Ginnity will embark on his senior year at St. B’s. However, before he returns to the classroom in September, he’ll have a brand-new memory to share with his classmates.
On Monday, at the Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg, Ginnity was on top of his game. Battling tough weather conditions, Ginnity shot a one-under 69 at Oak Hill Country Club to qualify for the United States Junior Amateur Championship later this month.
Ginnity was one of five players to qualify for the USGA event out of the round at Oak Hill, joining Weston Jones (Sudbury), Justin Hastings (Cayman Islands), Aidan Leblanc (Beverly) and John Broderick ( Wellesley).
“I don’t think I can really put into words right now the sense of excitement.” said Ginnity during a break in the action. “It’s been so much hard work and it’s nice to finally earn something for what I’ve done. I have never played in a USGA event so this is really big.”
He will travel to the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon, to play in the Junior Amateur Championship from July 25-30. Ginnity will be one of 264 golfers participating.
“I’m guaranteed to play the first two days, then the top 64 that make the cut will keep going,” said Ginnity. “I’ve never been to Oregon before. I’ve never been west of the Mississippi before, so this is going to be all brand new to me.”
The Junior Amateur Championship was established by the USGA in 1948 to pit the best junior golfers in the country head-to-head. In 2017, the age limit of the championship was altered to allow anyone age 19 or younger to compete.
“I’ve been playing golf since I was
three or four years old but I started taking more seriously when I reached eighth grade and freshman year,” the Fitchburg resident said. “I’ve been told a USGA event is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.”
Ginnity is a four-year member of the St. Bernard’s golf program where he has played for Bernardians head coach Matt Hoeske.
“I’m so proud of this kid. I’ve been coaching him since 8th grade, he’ll be a senior this fall. He works every year to get better. A lot of hard work is paying off for Patrick. The last few summers he’s been playing in a lot of tournaments throughout New England trying to get comfortable in this type of situation. What makes this extra special is that he qualified on a course that his high school team plays and practices at as well as where he works,” said Hoeske. “For five kids to shoot under par at Oak Hill during those conditions was incredible. I should know I was out there as a Mass Golf Rules Official yesterday. At times the wind was blowing 20 to 30 miles an hour, as well as downpours for a few holes and just rain on others. It wasn’t ideal conditions.”
Ginnity also wanted to send out a special thank you to his brother and caddie Mike “Mick” Ginnity, a 2019 alum of St. Bernard’s.
“He was on the bag for the Massachusetts Open Qualifier and the Massachusetts Amateur at Concord Country Club. We got in there together,” Ginnity said. “He is very calming presence on the bag and that’s so important. His reassurance during pressure moments is unbelievable. I owe him a lot and really want to say thank you.”
St. Bernard’s athletic director Ryan Walsh is among the many thrilled that Ginnity will be taking a step onto the national stage.
“What an unbelievable accomplishment for Patrick to be able to compete in the USGA Junior Championship. The hard work and dedication that he has put into the game of golf is second to none,” said Walsh. “I am so proud and am excited that he is able to showcase his skills on a larger stage. I know the St. Bernard’s community will be rooting for him when he hits the course in Oregon.”
When he’s not on the golf course, Ginnity enjoys playing basketball, running and even mowing the lawn.
“I enjoy mowing the lawn, I really do,” he said with a smile. “With my headphones on, I love the smell of the grass. It’s almost like being on the golf course.”
When asked if he follows the sport professionally, Ginnity didn’t hesitate with his response.
“Yes, I do. My favorite golfer, total game, I would definitely say is Justin Thomas,” said Ginnity. “He has a super sweet swing and hits the ball a long way. Another I really enjoy is Kevin Kisner. He’s really funny with a great personality.”