Dana Bates
Thousand Palms, Calif.
Hometown: Tacoma, Wash.
Birthdate: 3/25/64
College: University of Hawaii/ University of Arizona
Home Golf Course: La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, Calif.
Interests: Horseback riding, snow skiing, kayaking
Family: Single
View Dana Bates' Bio Video
View Dana Bates' Swing Video
Talk about a generation gap in Big Break Ka’anapali. Consider that Dana Bates’ daughter is almost as old as some of players she will compete against. Not that age bothers the 43-year-old teaching professional in the least. “I’m like a fine wine. I’m getting better with age,” Bates said.
And like an oaky Zinfandel’s lingering taste, there is a complexity about one of the oldest competitors in the series who wants to show the youngsters she still has game. There is also a competitive bite.
“I’m the Cougar Momma and I’m going to show those kittens how to play,” said Bates. “I plan on being the oldest one there, and I also plan on being the hottest one there!”
Let the games begin. Bates has thrown down the gauntlet but still looks to have fun in the competition. Experience and perspective will do that for a player.
A teaching pro at La Quinta Country Club near Palm Springs, Calif., for the last four years, Bates originally aspired to play on the LPGA. After playing golf for two years at both the University of Hawaii and the University of Arizona, Bates attempted to qualify for the LPGA three straight years, narrowly missing each time. She fell shy of getting her card by three strokes, then two strokes, and finally by one stroke. “After falling short, I decided to focus on my family. That was more important.” Bates said.
Thus began Bates’ career as a teaching pro. During her years as a golf professional, though, she continued working hard on her game and playing in competitive events. In 1999, she qualified for the LPGA’s State Rail Championship and qualified for the LPGA Championship through the Western Sectional in 2002 and 2004.
Now with her daughter 19 and independent, Bates feels it is the right time to pursue fulfilling her dream of playing on the LPGA fulltime. Fortunately for Bates, she is in the right place because Big Break Ka’anapali doesn’t discriminate on age when it comes to making dreams reality.
Click to See What’s in the Bag
| Club | Name | ||
| Driver: | Taylor Made 10.5 R7 425 | ||
| Woods: | Taylor Made V-Foil | ||
| Utility Club: | Taylor Made Burner 4 & 5 | ||
| Irons: | 6-PW Taylor Made R7 | ||
| Wedges: | 50° Feel & 58°Taylor Made |
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| Putter: | Taylor Made Rosa | ||
| Ball: | Taylor Made Red |
