Patrick Scheil has big plans when he finishes school at SIU — and they do not involve his field of study.
After graduation, Scheil plans to chase a dream as a professional golfer instead of pursue a career in commercial recreation.
“I knew I wanted to play golf professionally ever since I was a little kid in the backyard hitting balls around,” Scheil said. “I started hitting balls when I was 1 and my dad cut me down a club for size, and I picked it up from there.”
After his father lost his job, Scheil said his family moved down to Williamsburg, Va., where his interest in golf continued to grow.
“It was a great move for me because the whole town was a huge golfing town and I got to see the junior golf scene,” Scheil said.
During his high school career at Walsingham Academy, Scheil won the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools Championship in 2003 and 2004. He also was a three-time Virginia State Catholic Champion.
After high school, Scheil came to southern Illinois to continue his golfing career at John A. Logan College. While at John A. Logan, Scheil was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s PING All-American second team for the 2007-08 season. He was also named Region 24 Player of the Year in 2007-08. He won the 2006 Regional Championship and as a sophomore he won the 2007 Illinois State JUCO Championship.
Scheil said he came to SIU because he had developed friendships with several SIU golfers while he went to John A. Logan.
Scheil said his family has supported him in his junior career and still does today.
“If it wasn’t for my parents, I wouldn’t be here today,” Scheil said. “They have supported me from day one whether it was tournament fees or hotel rooms, and they are happy to see me doing something that I love.”
SIU freshman Jeff Miller said Scheil is a talented golfer and is always willing to help anybody on the team.
“Pat has helped me as a person and as a golfer,” Miller said. “He has helped me with my game, and he also helped me deal with the transition from high school to college.”
SIU men’s golf coach Leroy Newton said Scheil has done a good job for the Salukis. Newton said Scheil takes pride on having low scores and has worked hard on his game over the years.
Scheil said he loves golf because it is an individual challenge.
“Golf is a sport that is the ultimate reward, and I don’t depend on other players for success,” Scheil said. “It is a battle between me and the course, and when I win a tournament, it is because I played good golf.”
