Wake up Broward County! The next Tiger Woods may be prowling on a course near you. Recently my Omega fraternity brother, Adrian Link, approached me about possibly doing a feature story on golf phenom Patrick Pinckney, noteworthy of late for having defeated Tiger Woods’ son Charlie in a recent match. The following chronicles a conversation with Patrick in coordination with his loving, devoted mother Mrs. Debra Pinckney, revealing a precocious, intelligent and ambitious young man who possesses unlimited potential as a future star in golf and professionally in his field of choice.
WG: Patrick, how did you become involved in golf?
Patrick: When I was 3 years old, I attended Children In the Spirit Preschool in Pompano Beach. Ms. Akel, head mistress of the school, thought outside the box. Every week during the summer she scheduled a field trip to Palm Aire Oaks Course. Michelle Conte, the golf pro, taught us how to putt and how to hold the golf clubs. I told my mom I liked it and wanted to do it again. By the end of the summer, I was now 4 so my mom convinced Ms. Conte to give me golf lessons for 2 weeks. I was told at 4 years old I had a natural swing. About 6 months later my mom discovered Forelife, a golf club located at the City of Lauderhill Golf Course. The following summer I started playing golf competitively in JGA of Broward. Coach Paula from Forelife had to get approval from the board for me to play. You had to be 6 years of age to play this tour. You played with no caddy…no assistance from anyone at all. My first competitive tournament I came in 2nd, lost by 1 stroke against a 12-year-old.
WG: Was Tiger Woods influential in your choice and do you see him as a mentor or role model?
Patrick: Tiger was not influential in my choice. I was 3 when I was introduced to the game. Tiger’s career accomplishments are worthy goals to emulate. I also admire his unmatched work ethic and golf IQ.
WG: Have you played other sports like football, baseball or basketball? How do they compare in terms of mastery? Is golf the most difficult? If yes, why?
Patrick: I have played basketball for my school the last 3 years. I like basketball and practice a lot in my free time. My nickname is scrappy on the court because it doesn’t matter how big you are, I’m all over you. Golf is the most difficult; it takes a lot of focus and patience. It takes many skills: learning how to read the greens, swing tempo and learning how and when to use each club.
WG: How and when did you become interested in golf?
Patrick: My interest started, I think, before I was born. My parents watched golf all the time before I was born. Once I was introduced, I never wanted to stop. My passion for golf is never ending.
WG: How many competitive tournaments have you competed in? Any victories individually or as a team?
Patrick: I have competed in more than 300 golf tournaments. To play in the local tournaments such as US Kids, Gold Coast, South Florida PGA you just pay and play. Tournaments like US Kids World Championship, you qualify by your score during the local tournament. With IMG World tournament you must qualify by playing in a tournament and you must come in the top 2. The Jim Thorpe Invitational and the Cameron Champ Invitational require you to send your resume and hope you get invited. My most recent win was the Jim Thorpe 13-15 year old Invitational. It was a great experience to play in a tournament specifically for Black, brown, Hispanic, and Asian kids. I’ve attended Calvary Christian Academy since the 6th grade, and I have played on my school’s high school golf team. The last 2 years we made it to regionals with me being the 2nd man.
WG: How are you informed about tournaments? Is there criteria needed for an invitation?
Patrick: To play in the local tournaments such as US Kids, Gold Coast, or the South Florida PGA you just pay and play. Tournaments like US Kids World Championship, you qualify based on your score during the local tournament. With the IMG World tournament, for example, you must qualify by playing in a tournament and you must come in the top 2. Others like the Jim Thorpe Invitational and the Cameron Champ Invitational you send your resume and hope you get invited. They look for the number of tournaments you’ve played, your scores and the yardage. My division at the Jim Thorpe invitational was ages 13-15 which meant 2 days of 36-hole play at 6000 yards. Cameron Champ invitational 13 – 18 years of age – was 3 days with a cut on the 2nd day at 6700 yards.
WG: What are your long term goals educationally and professionally?
Patrick: I would like to be a biomedical scientist, a minister, and a professional golfer. I believe I can accomplish all with hard work and dedication. This year my mom has really pushed me to discover what I want to go to college to study. I took a class called medical detectives and realize I would like to help find cures and treatment for diseases. Since I was 4, I have walked closely with Christ and am a firm believer that I can accomplish any and all things with Him. God gave me a gift; I could read greens since the age of 4, and I have a passion for the game.
WG: You’ve competed and defeated Tiger Woods’ son. How did that evolve?
Patrick: It was a US Kids local tournament (Stuart tour) I competed in. My dad was my caddie and Tiger caddied for Charlie. Everyone at the tournament was more interested in watching them than their own kid. It was the best day ever! “THE TIGER WOODS watched me play and I won!” Patrick concludes by stating that golf is a gentleman’s game… you make business deals on the golf course. For a kid that doesn’t live on a golf course, it’s more difficult. Most players are Caucasian and have access to the facilities every day for hours. Golf is extremely expensive. My drive cost $500.00; my putter $300. At age 13 to be competitive, I should have a swing coach, strength trainer, golf phycologist and I’m quite sure a few other things. My parents sacrifice a lot for us to travel and make sure I have what I need to be competitive. This summer I will play in 3 tournaments in California. That’s expensive for 3 weeks for a family of 5. Tournament fees range from $30 to $400. There is no assistance for any expenses. This is part of the reason you don’t see many African Americans playing golf. My parents say “as long as I want it they will sacrifice to get it for me. Publisher Bobby R. Henry amd the Westside Gazette staff wish you Godspeed in your future endeavors and life.
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