CALEDONIA — Bradley Tate has high demands for high school golfers. Parker Humber shows what’s possible if one meets them.
Tate has built Caledonia High School’s golf program convinced in his belief that, “you can’t get them in ninth grade and have them ready to win a state championship their senior year.” So, seven years, ago, he used a provision in the state rulebook to pull a group of sixth-graders up to his varsity team.
The only one of that group still playing golf for Caledonia, Humber, has used the system to develop into a college golfer.
Humber signed with Itawamba Community College Friday after leading Caledonia to a Class 4A state championship last year with intentions to do it again this spring.
Playing golf at that level so ahead of his age lacked an intimidation factor on Humber.
“My brother always played, so I was in it and around it all the time,” he said. “It was a given, almost.”
His path to collegiate golf can only be described as the Bradley way: golf all year long since he made the jump to varsity. Humber and Tate shared a laugh in telling the story of when they played on a wet course in freezing temperatures; Humber remembered having to wipe the frozen mud off of clubfaces in between shots.
It didn’t take long that day for Tate to realize he made a mistake in sending them out to the course in such conditions. A few holes in, Tate went out to correct the error, but Humber was part of the pack telling Tate to let them play — Humber won the match that day.
On that day, and many others in his seven years under Tate, Humber embodied Tate’s approach to golf.
“Golf requires so much extra work, mental work,” Tate said. “Golf’s not a pick it up and play during the season kind of sport, and if you’re that type of player, you’re not going to be on my team.”
Humber knows the extended time as a varsity golfer made its impact on his career: he noted being able to travel to matches away from home, allowing him to play a full high school schedule seven years now.
Humber said he has not allowed his mind to wander to the possibility of a four-year college after Itawamba, and in the meantime has his sights set on qualifying Caledonia for the state tournament. Humber and Bradley are both confident it will happen, given Caledonia returns most of the team that won the state championship despite Humber shooting the fourth-best score on the team, a 92-87–179.
Humber said he was, “won over,” by the new golf coach at Itawamba CC, Cary Simmons.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.