Gilroy’s Ryan Slater went to the U.S. Kids Golf World
Championships in Williamsburg, Va. last week wanting to finish in
the top 20.
Gilroy – Gilroy’s Ryan Slater went to the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships in Williamsburg, Va. last week wanting to finish in the top 20.
But he overshot his goal and finished 15th – out of 78 other 7-year-old competitors from 15 different countries.
And that left the young golfer very content.
“I played well,” said Ryan about the championships. “On some of my shots, it didn’t feel like I hit it very well, but there wasn’t a lot that I didn’t like.”
Well, there was one thing: The hot and muggy Southern weather.
“Man, that was hot!” Ryan said. “It was 120 heat index.”
Through nine holes and from modified yardage, Ryan shot a 1-over 37 on the first day, a 3-over 39 the second day and an even par 36 on the last day of the tournament for an overall score of 112.
After his first round, Ryan was tied for 13th. His second round score dropped him to 21st. But his final round brought him back.
In that round, Ryan birdied the third, sixth and eighth holes, despite the wet conditions due to a night of rainfall. According to caddie and dad, Dave Slater, it was Ryan’s best day of golf.
“He really just had a good time,” Dave Slater said. “The kids really get along well. They all pal up and spend an hour or two together after the round.”
The tournament was a reunion of sorts for Ryan, who played in last year’s U.S. Kids World Championships and made some international friends. He also enjoyed having his dad on the bag.
“I had lots of fun and I made my goal,” said Ryan, summing up his experience. “I can’t wait to go back next year.”
