Jhonattan Vegas MLB patch, explained: Why PGA Championship leader wears a unique logo

Jhonattan Vegas is off to a blazing start in the PGA Championship.

The native of Venezuela shot -7 on Thursday and -1 on Friday to put himself near the top of the leaderboard. The 40-year-old golfer has won four times since joining the PGA Tour in 2008, but he's seeking his first major championship.

Vegas is not the most well-known name on the tour, and many golf fans are being introduced to his for the first time this weekend. One question that has come up during his early PGA Championship run: Why is Vegas wearing an MLB patch on his shirt?

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

There is a story behind Vegas' unique embroidered patch, as well as his connection to America's favorite pastime.

LIVE: PGA Championship updated golf scores, results, highlights

Why does Jhonattan Vegas wear an MLB patch?

Vegas wears an MLB patch on his shirt because he is sponsored by MLB. He is one of a number of players, including Cameron Young, to wear the patch during tournaments.

MLB sponsoring golfers first came to be in 2013 when golf agent Dave Parker brought the idea to the league, according to Golf.com. He thought it made sense for pro golfer who were baseball fans to wear the MLB logo on the course.

A deal was first negotiated for Shawn Stefani, an Astros fan, to wear the logo and play golf with some of MLB's corporate partners. In exchange, Stefani earned free tickets to Astros games wherever and whenever he wanted.

Vegas has also been seen at Astros games and probably has a similar perk included in his sponsorship agreement with MLB.

Is Jhonattan Vegas a baseball fan?

Vegas seems to be a big fan of the Astros. Vegas went to the University of Texas and currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb of Houston. 

MORE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP:  

• PGA Championship playoff rules, explained
• Who has won the most PGA Championships?
• How Jordan Spieth can join Rory McIlroy, others with 2025 PGA Championship win
• Explaining Dustin Johnson's PGA Championship exemption for Quail Hollow
• Location, distance, course details about the 2025 PGA Championship
• Every PGA Championship winner by year