Twelve-year-old southwest resident ready to sweep golf championship

The U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship will see a new smile on the fairways this year, one with braces.

Las Vegas local Hunter Pate, 12, is the youngest golfer, to qualify for this year's tournament with a score of 75 during the May 28 qualifying round at Painted Desert Golf Club, 5555 Painted Mirage Road.

According to the U.S. Golf Association, the WAPL Championship is open to any female amateur golfers, who, since Jan. 1, have been bona fide public course players and have not held any privileges of any course that does not extend playing privileges to the general public and have a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 18.4.

"I'm really excited. I haven't played in any big tournaments," Hunter said. "I think I'll do good."

According to her mother, Linda Pate, Hunter consistently drives the ball 280 yards and has a 4 handicap.

"I'm so amazed by her sometimes," Linda Pate said. "It's surreal. She's only 12."

Hunter's father Jack Pate said it is his daughter's integrity on the course that impresses him the most. During a recent tournament, Hunter's caddy unknowingly moved her ball, he said.

No one was aware of the infraction, yet Hunter informed tournament officials of the mistake and voluntarily took the two-stroke penalty, leaving her out of contention in the final round of the tournament.

Athletic ability runs in the family, and the Pates are well-known for their tennis prowess. Hunter's father and uncle David Pate played NCAA Division I tennis for Texas Christian University.

Her uncle also played professionally and was at one time ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles tennis and claimed a career-high singles ranking of No. 18 in the world.

Hunter started out playing tennis, but after her father and uncle began experiencing worsening knee injuries from their tennis careers, her father suggested that she pick up golf.

That was less than four years ago. To advance so quickly in golf is impressive, according to her first instructor, Sam Clawson, program coordinator for First Tee of Southern Nevada, a charity that aims to teach children life lessons through golf.

Clawson credits Hunter's success to her tireless work ethic.

"The focus and passion at her age is something you don't see every day," Clawson said. "She's just a sponge for everything in the game. She's very coachable and always wants to learn more."

Hunter's mother is no stranger to this work ethic.

"What kid gets up early to go hit at the driving range?" Linda Pate asked. "She's always bugging me to go practice, which is a good thing. Usually, it's the parents that have to twist the kid's arm."

The golfer's hard work carries over into the classroom as well. Linda Pate said her daughter would cry if she received a B in class.

Hunter attends Grant Sawyer Middle School, where she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society.

"She always strives to be the best," Linda Pate said. "She has to be the best at anything she does."

Jack Pate, an 8 handicap, hopes the sport will take his daughter far in life. Hunter is zoned for Durango High School but is considering private schools with better funded athletic programs.

College is already on Hunter's mind, and with a ready availability of women's golf scholarships, it is a definite possibility, she said.

"I've heard a lot about TCU," she said. "I just need to keep working hard."

This tournament is a step in the right direction, Clawson said.

"This will be a great experience for her," Clawson added. "She'll be playing against college and adult players."

The WAPL Championship was scheduled to begin Monday, but the Pates arrived a week early in order to get in some practice rounds.

Winning the tournament automatically qualifies the winner for a spot in the U.S. Women's Open.

"It'd be the best thing to play in the U.S. Women's Open," Hunter said.

Golf is a game of etiquette and decorum, but Linda Pate said that when her daughter is on the course, all of that goes out the window.

"I can't help it, I'll cheer," she said.

Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 383-0492.