CHASKA, Minn. - After witnessing Garrett Engle of Chattanooga advance through the longest match of the U.S. Amateur this week, it's clear a new distinctive style is emerging on the amateur circuit.

Engle treated spectators to a true battle, outlasting Henry Guan of California across 25 holes - the longest match of Wednesday’s Round of 64 at the 124th U.S. Amateur. Throughout the intensive showcase, the rising senior demonstrated his unorthodox yet effective grip.

As his coach at Chattanooga, Blaine Woodruff, described, Engle employs a variation of a split grip. He barely connects his right pinky and left index finger in a bold position unlike most amateur swings. However, Woodruff notes Engle possesses tremendous control over his face with this clutch, keeping it square through impact.

 “It’s pretty strong, basically split grip, but he just barely connects his right pinky and left index finger. He’s got a lot of control over the face, and the face doesn’t really open a whole lot. It stays pretty square through the hit for a long time.”

Trying to replicate Engle's grip, Woodruff and teammates have found limited replication. "It’s hard to hit a golf ball that way and not hit it straight left," Woodruff commented. Yet Engle makes it work to his advantage time and again.

"The Grip" wins in 25 holes https://t.co/mpCfe9HBIV

— Brentley Romine (@BrentleyGC) August 14, 2024

From first picking up clubs as a kid, Engle has steadfastly used his split-handed grip. While some coaches urged changes over time, he refused to abandon what brought him success.

Coming out of junior ranks as Pennsylvania's top-ranked player, Engle was a highly-touted get for Oklahoma. But an early injury there sidetracked his momentum. As he shared: "I’m a very creative golfer, and I kind of lost some of that,"

Transferring from Oklahoma, Engle visited Chattanooga in search of a fresh start. Just hired coach Blaine Woodruff saw Engle's potential immediately. "What I loved about him was that he was different," Woodruff said, "but he also knew who he was and was OK with that and believed in that."

Woodruff has created an atmosphere where individuality thrives at Chattanooga. Under his guidance, Engle has rediscovered his flair and led surprise runs like their 2023 NCAA Championship appearance.

By staying devoted to his roots despite doubters, Engle has found validation. His marathon triumph at the U.S. Amateur further proves there is no one correct golfing identity. His re-emerging success symbolizes the rewards of unwavering self-belief.

After a step back as a junior where struggles bled into the fall college season, Garrett Engle showed signs of rediscovery at the Western Intercollegiate last spring. However, the turning point truly came this summer.

Read more: 39-Year-Old Jimmy Ellis Shoots Record Round of 61 to Claim Medalist Honors at 2024 U.S. Amateur

Winning the prestigious Dogwood Invitational boosted Engle's confidence exponentially. As he stated: "I proved a lot to myself at Dogwood that I can do this. Now I kind of want to prove to everybody that I can do this at this stage." His runner-up effort shortly after at the Porter Cup further cemented his summer rise.

Carrying that renewed belief to Chaska, Minnesota for the U.S. Amateur, Engle was focused on the big stage. He carded consecutive 1-under rounds in stroke play qualifying to enter match play poised. Against Henry Guan, Engle struck an early 2-up lead through 11 holes showcasing his creative talent, like his brilliant recovery on the 10th.

Though a late double allowed Guan to tie, Engle still had more magic in store. He showcased nerves of steel, even holing a sand save under pressure. 

This marathon match truly tested the mettle of Engle and Guan. After Guan displayed sharp short game on the initial playoff hole, Engle held steady by dropping his par effort.

The fifth hole saw Engle seemingly seize control, only to miss a makable par putt. But the Chattanooga standout responded with grit. At the sixth, despite a wayward drive, Engle's beautiful bunker shot seemed a shot of days past. As he said, unlocking the ability to flight difficult shots like that one has taken his game to new heights.

“It’s not necessarily because of the grip, but it’s just difficult to get the club to sit right for it to open,” Engle said. “Once I was able to kind of convince myself that you can lay it flat, I’ve done a lot better with it the last year, and I’ve kind of unlocked the ability to hit shots, especially when I’m under pressure.”

Guan refused to surrender, sinking a clutch par. But the marathon finally ended when his chip skipped through the seventh green, while Engle held on with a conservative angle.

“After hole 1, I was like, this is probably going to go a long way,” Engle said. “So just keep my wits about me and keep fighting.”

After predicting a battle would ensue from the early holes, Engle proved his poise under pressure. While some grips may limit shotmaking in certain spots, Engle continues broadening his capabilities. He now has his sights set on toppling Pollo and progressing further. With his blend of creativity and fortitude, Engle seems primed to make more waves in this U.S. Amateur.