Nov. 11, 2009
COLLEGE STATION - Gregory Yates of Mansfield, Texas, has signed a national letter-of-intent to play college golf at Texas A&M, head coach J.T. Higgins said Wednesday.
Yates is a senior at Mansfield High School, where he led the team to a third-place finish at the 2009 Class 5A state tournament. He finished fifth individually and earned all-state honors.
"Greg has a solid all-around game with no real weaknesses," A&M Coach J.T. Higgins said. "He's an excellent ball striker who has shown the ability to post low scores in tournament conditions. He definitely has the talent to compete for a spot in the lineup the moment he steps on campus. He's played for an exceptional team and coach (Trampas Wilson) at Mansfield and understands what it takes to help his team compete. Greg is going to make an outstanding Aggie and we look forward to him joining our team next fall."
Yates is ranked No. 76 nationally in the Polo Junior Golf Rankings and has extensive junior golf experience. He won the Texas Junior Golf Tour's Red River Challenge in 2008 after firing a 63 in the first round. Yates was the runner-up at the 2009 Arlington City Championship after shooting a 64 in the opening round.
He closed with a 65 to win the 2009 AJGA Elbit Systems of America Championship.
"I chose Texas A&M because of its academic strength and strong history," Yates said. "The school also has incredible facilities not only on campus but at the Traditions golf course. I also chose Texas A&M because of the golf team's history. It is a great team with great players.
"I respect Coach Higgins and what he's been able to accomplish," Yates added. "He seems to respect his players and he knows how to win. I look forward to the opportunity to play for Coach Higgins and to be part of a strong program." Yates is a two-time all-region and a three-time all-district selection at Mansfield.
"We are so excited to have Greg joining our family," Higgins said. "Aside from his exceptional ability on the course, Greg is an outstanding student and young man. His mother, Robin '85, and father, Scott '85, both graduated from A&M. He's exactly the type of young man we want on our team."
In addition to his parents, Yates has had several other family members graduate from A&M -- Jennifer Patrick (aunt) '84, Sean Patrick (uncle) '83, Kenneth McDaniel (cousin) '83 and Charles McDaniel (cousin) '79.