Mercer just missed going as a team last year, losing in a team playoff for the second spot. However, fellow senior Ward Dedman earned one of the individual qualifying berths that Patterson missed.
"He's got those bragging rights on me right now," Patterson said.
But if things go right Tuesday, Patterson may have some bragging rights of his own. However, there will be plenty of competition for him and the Titans.
Russell County and West Jessamine were the region's top two teams last year. But Boyle, Washington, Green, Anderson and Garrard counties could all make a run at the regional title this year.
A solid team
Individually, Dedman, Joe Haydon of Washington, Coty Cantrell of Garrard, Tanner Burks of Danville, Grant Blevins and Dakota Jarman of Boyle, Joe Wilson of Russell, and Nate Johnson and Matt Kyles of West Jessamine are among the top individual players heading into the regional.
"We've got a good team, but we're not by any means one of the best heading into the tournament," Mercer coach Jay Anderson said. "In the game of golf, you've got to go out and tee it up, and sometimes it's your day and sometimes it's not. We haven't really had a day where everybody's played well. And come region time, maybe that day will happen."
If so, Anderson said Patterson would be huge part of it. The coach says Patterson has shown more determination this year and has become a solid No. 1 player and leader for the Titans.
"He's really been our No. 1 all year. He's what your No. 1 should be," the Mercer coach said. "He avoids bad shots. He can take a bad shot and make a par or make a bogey at worst, instead of where it was a triple ((bogey) or an eight (last year). He can just manage a round from tee to green.
"He's got a lot of resolve about his approach. I haven't really had to remind (Patterson and Dedman), this is it. They know the end's in sight for them. I've had them for six years, and that goal (of winning the region) has eluded us. If that doesn't motivate you, I don't know what will."
Patterson is definitely motivated. He knows what it will take for the Titans to finally get that state berth.
"We've just got to have one of our No. 4 or No. 5 players play out of their butts kind of. And just have our three low scorers stay low," said.
Patterson said it isn't complicated how to score well at Dix River
"Hit the greens and make putts," he said.
If that happens, the Titans may be able to pack their bags for the state tournament at Bowling Green next month.
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Did you know
The Boys Golf 4th Region Tournament will be at Dix River Country Club in Stanford Tuesday. Area teams competing will be Boyle County, Casey County, Danville, Garrard County, Lincoln County and Mercer County.
