Ryan Slater, 7, cards a 34 to take home title
Gilroy – The average 7-year-old isn’t the poster child for focus and poise, doesn’t like to watch golf on television and definitely doesn’t name Fred Funk on his or her list of favorite athletes.
But golfer Ryan Slater of Gilroy isn’t your average 7-year-old.
For the second year in a row, Ryan has won the U.S. Kids Northern California State Golf Championship for his age group. The win also earned him a repeat spot in the U.S. Kids World Championship, which will be held in Williamsburg, Va. July 27-30.
From modified yardage, Ryan shot a 1-under 34 for nine holes at Shoreline Golf Links in Mountain View June 29 to beat Sunny Yan by one stroke.
It took quite a comeback.
After four holes, Ryan was 1-over while the leader sat at 3-under. But then he birdied the next three holes while his competition went south.
“(Ryan’s) got tremendous composure,” said Dave Parks, assistant golf pro at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. “He does not give up, no matter how far back he is. He loves competition and he’ll keep grinding it out.”
Parks has been working with Ryan for the past year and a half. The two usually work together about once a month. When asked how Ryan compares to other golfers his age, all Parks can do is laugh.
“I don’t even put him in with kids his age,” he said. “I forget sometimes that I’m talking to a 7-year-old. It seems like I’m talking to a 27-year-old. He’s one of the top students I’ve had in his age group.”
Ryan’s father, Dave Slater, said he’s been taking Ryan, who began playing at 18 months, to play at proper golf courses since he was five years old. When they play, Dave Slater modifies the yardage of the holes they play to make them shorter to accommodate the little guy’s drives. The 4-foot, 48-pounder maxes out at 135 yards.
A place for peace
Ryan’s reasons for liking golf are simple, but mature.
“I like it because it’s fun and it’s quiet,” he said. “There’s not much noise.”
Ryan said his favorite part of golf is putting and his practice habits reflect that – as does his incredible focus.
“He’ll spend hours on the putting green. He’ll go out and put for two hours,” Dave Slater said.
“I can’t beat him on the putting green,” he added. “Seriously, I can’t.”
In addition to golf, Ryan also plays baseball and soccer. But when those aren’t going on, his concentration is on golf – even when he’s not playing. The Slaters, an avid golf family – even 5-year-old Hayley has started to hit the links – often record televised golf tournaments on their digital video recording system. Dave Slater said Ryan still goes back to watch Tiger Woods’ remarkable chip-in on the 16th green at this year’s Masters.
At last year’s world championships, which basically are a showcase of the best golfers in their age groups, Ryan finished middle of the pack. But Dave Slater thinks Ryan has a chance to do better this year, especially since the championship is going to be held on a course that better suits his son’s game. Still, the father said bringing Ryan to Virginia is more for the experience.
“We don’t go there with the expectations he’s going to win,” Dave Slater said.
“I think its fun,” Ryan added. “I get to meet different players from all over the world.”
Over 30 countries are represented at the event.
And as with another young golfer, Michelle Wie, Dad will be on the bag for the championship. Just like most golfers and their caddies, the two discuss strategy, something Parks said Ryan fully understands.
“He’s an excellent golfer. His understanding of the game would rival an adult that’s been playing for years.”
