Macy Pate, final round women’s leader, reads the greens with an ice cream cone

 “Wednesday’s plan to collect info for this writeup was simple: Grab a pen and notepad, check the starting times on QR, estimate where targeted interviewee would be, and start walking. By my reckoning Macy Pate would be on Hole #11, and, fortunately for me, that location is right across from my
Macy’s threesome did turn out to be where they should be, preparing to play second shots on #11. I eased in near the rear of the green. After Macy’s approach found the green, I made photos of her in action, first her reading the green, and then striking the putt.
Later, while walking with the group, I made additional photos. Hopefully we will be able to share them as part of this article. More good news: Macy recognized me from our earlier chat with her and Dad during the practice round on Monday. She was warmly amenable to an interview at the conclusion of play. Here’s how it went.
 
Me: “What advice would you have for younger girls wanting to play Junior golf?”
Macy: “Be sure to enjoy the process. Time goes by way too fast.”
Me: “Do you have plans after high school next Spring?”
Macy: (Large smile) “I’ll be going to Wake Forest and playing golf.”
 
“Why did you choose Wake Forest?
“Lots of things. They have two great coaches, it’s a family-oriented program, it’sjust close enough to home, and people root and pull for each other.”
 
“Have you settled on what you want to study?
“I’m thinking about Sports Marketing. Maybe something in golf.”
 
“Will you stay the full four years, depending on your golfing success?”
“Oh, I’ll definitely stay four years. Diploma in 2027.”
 
“Do you know any of the other players, incoming, in your class?”
“Yes! Brook Rivers, who is from the Turks and Caicos Islands. We’re good friends.”
 
(Yeah, I didn’t know either, Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of 40 low-lying coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a British Overseas Territory southeast of the Bahamas. The gateway island of Providenciales, known as Provo, is home to expansive Grace Bay Beach, with luxury resorts, shops and restaurants. Scuba-diving sites include a 14-mile barrier reef on Provo’s north shore and a dramatic 2,134m underwater wall off Grand Turk island.)
 
“What do you enjoy doing outside of golf?”
“Oh, I love to work out, my friends and I. We have good times doing that.”
 
“What would you like to tell us about our Hope Valley Junior Invitational?”
“When you come here to play, expect fast greens. It’s tough on and around the greens, but this is a tournament that is really lots of fun.”
 
At this point Macy’s dad brought her a whopping-big ice cream cone. She lit into it, and I didn’t have the heart to interrupt that youthful indulgence.
 
And I wanted one, too!”
 
– by Andy Collins