Platke earns third in Junior State Amateur Golf Tournament

By JOE SOVA

Hungry Horse News

A 13-year-old who can drive a golf ball 250 yards consistently will likely be successful in the sometimes frustrating game.

Reed Platke, a Columbia Falls Junior High School student, brought home third place from the Bill Roberts Junior State Amateur Golf Tournament held July 29-30 at the Bill Roberts Golf Course in Helena.

Playing from the white tees, Platke was the picture of consistency, carding a score of 74 the first day and a 75 on day two for a 5-over-par 149 total.

Collin Gunstream, 14, of Missoula was the state champion with a sparkling score of 139. The second-place finisher, who is also 14, had a 147.

Platke won the 12-and-under division Junior State Amateur championship last year with a 153, which was one stroke off the tournament record.

It has been a good summer for Platke, the son of Ron and Dawn Platke. He finished second in the MSGA State Junior Tournament in June in Bozeman, and he has won four junior tourney titles this year.

About two weeks ago, Platke experienced the U.S. Kids Golf Teen World Championships, which featured players from 34 states and 19 countries. It was his first time in the tourney. A bit awestruck, Platke was off his game, averaging an 84 for his rounds of golf.

Platke plays 18 holes five days a week and "hits balls" every day.

"He has a devoted love for the game," his father, Ron, said.

He finishes the summer season at the Flathead Valley Junior Championships at Eagle Bend Golf Course on Thursday. That's a tournament in which he won his division last year as a 12-year-old. He is still in the 12-13 age group.

"I'm going to win it," Platke smiled.