The old man and the rookie: How a highly regarded 85-year-old swing instructor returned to the PGA Tour 40 years later with his latest pupil, a 23-year-old hot shot

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carl Lohren sat in a folding chair behind Ryan Gerard before Friday’s second round of the 2023 Wells Fargo Championship and studied his warmup. He didn’t say a word because he didn’t have to. He had already imparted enough wisdom to his pupil that Gerard, a 23-year-old who earned Special Temporary membership on the PGA Tour last month, didn’t need any handholding.

“This kid is exceptional,” Lohren crowed. “His swing reminds me of Jon Rahm in that it’s fast and he doesn’t take it way back. He’s got the lower body going forward before the club gets to the top which I think is symbolic of a great swing.”