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      Competitions

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      • GSGA CompetitionsWe host over 30 competitions open for statewide participation.
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      • USGA QualifiersThe GSGA conducts all USGA qualifying rounds in Georgia for every national championship.
      • Competition ResultsA history of GSGA competitions through the years.
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      • Players of the YearEach year, we recognize Players of the Year for Men, Women, Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Men, Senior Women and Super Senior Men
      • Need Help Registering?All competitors are required to register for each competition. We’re here to help.
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      Junior Golf

      The GSGA is proud to provide junior golf opportunities through competitions, a statewide Junior Tour and Youth on Course programming.

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      • Junior Tour SiteOur statewide junior golf program is for all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 18.
      • U.S. National Development ProgramExpanding the pipeline for elite local golfers into the national development program to strengthen junior golf programming.
        • Team Georgia - 2025
      • Youth on Course GeorgiaProviding young people with life-changing opportunities through the game of golf.
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      • Join or Renew MembershipJoin a community of more than 100,000 individuals who are passionate about the game.
      • Individual Member BenefitsGSGA Members have access to a number of exclusive benefits.
      • Member Clubs & CoursesWe provide a variety of services to our Member Clubs that enhance the enjoyment of the game for all golfers.
      • GSGA Club ChampionsSubmit your club champions!
      • GSGA Most Improved GolferSubmit your club's most improved players!
      • Hole in One & Unique Feats ClubScore a hole-in-one, an albatross or other unique feat? Let us know and join the club!
      • GSGA Member TripsTravel with fellow GSGA Members to some of the best golf destinations.
      • Golf GeorgiaThe official publication of the GSGA.
      • Golf Georgia PLUSGolf Georgia PLUS will provide you with important news and unique content on GSGA activities and programs, as well as other happenings from the amateur golf scene in Georgia.
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      Foundation

      The GSGA Foundation is the charitable affiliate of the GSGA and assists the golf industry in Georgia through scholarship programs, adaptive golf and junior golf initiatives.

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      • Annual FundHelp us support the game you love by making a gift to the GSGA Foundation.
      • ScholarshipsThe GSGA has awarded more than $4.5 million in scholarships to deserving students.
        • Endowed Scholarships
        • Moncrief Scholarship ProgramGeorgia’s future superintendents are supported through the Moncrief Scholarship Program.
        • Yates Scholarship ProgramThe Yates Scholarship Program provides assistance to employees, and their dependents, at GSGA Member Clubs.
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      Hall of Fame

      The Georgia Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Georgia’s golf traditions, heritage, achievements and excellence.

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      • Meet the Class of 2025GSGA announces the Class of 2025 inductees into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.
      • Hall of Fame MembersMeet the members of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, including bios and videos.
      • History of the Hall of FameThe Georgia Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Georgia’s golf traditions, heritage, achievements and excellence.
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      Information provided to GSGA Members on golf instruction, industry news, education and more.

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      • Play. Grow. Lead.Golf, the Georgia way.
      • MyGSGA Mobile AppA personalized mobile experience that allows you to manage your game.
      • EventsInterested in playing golf? Find an event and we’ll see you on the course!
      • GSGA BlogSubscribe now to the GSGA Blog! Access to GSGA news, feature stories, and more.
      • Economic Impact ReportThe state of Georgia boasts a thriving golf industry that brings in $5.3B worth of economic impact.
      • Instruction Video SeriesCheck out a library of tips to improve your game from Georgia golf professionals.
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  • Learn about Adaptive Golf
  • Play
    • Casual GolfPlay with friends and fellow GSGA Members in fun, casual rounds of golf.
      • Member Play Days
      • GSGA Fore Fun Women's Series
      • One-Day Series
    • Adaptive GolfA complimentary program for individuals with physical, cognitive or sensory impairments.
    • Junior Tour SiteOur statewide junior golf program is for all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 18.
    • Handicapping & Course RatingGSGA Members receive a Handicap Index®, which allows you to post scores.
    • Rules of GolfDive into the Rules of Golf with resources to educate all players.
  • Competitions
    • GSGA CompetitionsWe host over 30 competitions open for statewide participation.
      • 2025 Competitions Schedule
    • USGA QualifiersThe GSGA conducts all USGA qualifying rounds in Georgia for every national championship.
    • Competition ResultsA history of GSGA competitions through the years.
    • Competition Host ClubsThis is a compilation of all GSGA competitions on record listed by host club.
    • Players of the YearEach year, we recognize Players of the Year for Men, Women, Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Men, Senior Women and Super Senior Men
    • Need Help Registering?All competitors are required to register for each competition. We’re here to help.
  • Junior Golf
    • Junior Tour SiteOur statewide junior golf program is for all skill levels between the ages of 5 and 18.
    • U.S. National Development ProgramExpanding the pipeline for elite local golfers into the national development program to strengthen junior golf programming.
      • Team Georgia - 2025
    • Youth on Course GeorgiaProviding young people with life-changing opportunities through the game of golf.
  • Membership
    • Join or Renew MembershipJoin a community of more than 100,000 individuals who are passionate about the game.
    • Individual Member BenefitsGSGA Members have access to a number of exclusive benefits.
    • Member Clubs & CoursesWe provide a variety of services to our Member Clubs that enhance the enjoyment of the game for all golfers.
    • GSGA Club ChampionsSubmit your club champions!
    • GSGA Most Improved GolferSubmit your club's most improved players!
    • Hole in One & Unique Feats ClubScore a hole-in-one, an albatross or other unique feat? Let us know and join the club!
    • GSGA Member TripsTravel with fellow GSGA Members to some of the best golf destinations.
    • Golf GeorgiaThe official publication of the GSGA.
    • Golf Georgia PLUSGolf Georgia PLUS will provide you with important news and unique content on GSGA activities and programs, as well as other happenings from the amateur golf scene in Georgia.
  • Foundation
    • Annual FundHelp us support the game you love by making a gift to the GSGA Foundation.
    • ScholarshipsThe GSGA has awarded more than $4.5 million in scholarships to deserving students.
      • Endowed Scholarships
      • Moncrief Scholarship ProgramGeorgia’s future superintendents are supported through the Moncrief Scholarship Program.
      • Yates Scholarship ProgramThe Yates Scholarship Program provides assistance to employees, and their dependents, at GSGA Member Clubs.
  • Hall of Fame
    • Meet the Class of 2025GSGA announces the Class of 2025 inductees into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.
    • Hall of Fame MembersMeet the members of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame, including bios and videos.
    • History of the Hall of FameThe Georgia Golf Hall of Fame is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Georgia’s golf traditions, heritage, achievements and excellence.
  • Resources
    • Play. Grow. Lead.Golf, the Georgia way.
    • MyGSGA Mobile AppA personalized mobile experience that allows you to manage your game.
    • EventsInterested in playing golf? Find an event and we’ll see you on the course!
    • GSGA BlogSubscribe now to the GSGA Blog! Access to GSGA news, feature stories, and more.
    • Economic Impact ReportThe state of Georgia boasts a thriving golf industry that brings in $5.3B worth of economic impact.
    • Instruction Video SeriesCheck out a library of tips to improve your game from Georgia golf professionals.
  • Get Involved
    • Join
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Job Openings
    • Subscribe to the GSGA Blog
  • I want to...
    • Post a Score
    • Submit a Hole in One/Unique Feat
    • Renew Your Membership
    • Apply for a Scholarship
    • Learn about Adaptive Golf
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3 min read

Jerry Pate inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame

Luke McCarthy, GSGA

Born in Macon, Ga., Jerry Pate grew up in a big family with a passion for golf. After moving to Alabama at a young age, he learned to play at Anniston Country Club from his father and grandfather. Pate and his five siblings would spend summers in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., where he would learn the game at a par-3 course while his father and grandfather played elsewhere.

Years later in 1967, the family moved to Pensacola, Fla., when Pate was 14. After competing in amateur events in Florida, he would return to Alabama as a walk-on on the University of Alabama golf team. Eventually earning a scholarship, Pate played four years and served as captain and earned First Team All-America honors for the Crimson Tide.

His junior year at Alabama in 1974 proved to be a launching pad for Pate’s career. He played in a qualifier for the U.S. Amateur Championship in Jacksonville at a course where his grandfather was a founding member, then went on to win the national championship at The Ridgewood Country Club in New Jersey. Later that summer he helped lead the United States to victory at the World Amateur Team Championship. The following year (1975) Pate was a member of the winning U.S. Walker Cup Team and earned low amateur honors at the U.S. Open, where he tied for 18th at Medinah Country Club in Illinois.

After enjoying quite the year on the amateur golf scene, Pate had a decision to make regarding his future. While never really considering life as a professional golfer, his father offered encouragement to go for it. And he did – earning medalist honors at PGA TOUR Qualifying School in the fall of 1975 to earn his card. That decision to turn pro proved to be the correct one. Pate’s first win as a professional golfer came at the 1976 U.S. Open held at Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek. After picking up a second victory at the Canadian Open a few events later, Pate would be named PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year and Co-Player of the Year (with Jack Nicklaus).

Pate took home six more PGA TOUR victories over the next six years (including the 1982 PLAYERS Championship) after capturing the U.S. Open and Canadian Open titles as a rookie and was part of the victorious U.S. team at the 1981 Ryder Cup. Pate also picked up five other worldwide wins during this stretch.

In 1982, Pate would suffer an injury that prevented him from recapturing his old form. In the meantime, he would stay involved with the game in different ways. The following decade Pate kept busy as he served as a broadcaster on television, started a golf design firm, and opened a turf and irrigation company.

Pate’s company, Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation, is a premier provider of outdoor beautification products in the Southeast and Midwest. It has been a supporter of the Georgia Golf Course Superintendent Association for many years. Pate also was an advocate of the revamp of Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta. He designed and constructed the Dan Yates Putting Course at BJGC, providing the outline and grade for the Himalayas-style putting green.

Pate joined the PGA TOUR Champions in 2003 and returned to the winner's circle in 2006 and picked up his second victory on the circuit in 2008.

For his accomplishments and service to the game, Pate was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1994, and the Florida State Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2023.

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Related Posts

Robert Shaw inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame 3/31/25 3 min read
Billy Payne inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame 4/11/25 2 min read

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