Platke to play golf at WSU

Reed Platke said it was a very easy decision to make.

Better yet, a no-brainer.

The 17-year-old senior at Whitefish High School verbally committed to play golf at Washington State University on July 1.

"He (WSU coach Walt Williams) made an offer, we thought about it for 3-4 hours, called him back and said we'd take it," Platke said.

"It's a significant offer."

Platke is the first 2012 recruit to verbally commit to play men's golf for the Cougars. He can officially sign Nov. 1.

"It's been one of my goals for a long time to play in the Pac-12, Division 1 golf," Platke said.

"It would not have been possible without the help of my coaches, my dad (Ron), my mom (Dawn) and the greatest high school coach out there - Terry Nelson. He's (Nelson) always been there for me. At every tournament, good or bad, he will be there."

Platke is the second Flathead Valley golfer to sign with a Pac-12 school. Larry Iverson of Kalispell is currently playing golf at the University of Washington.

"It's definitely on the rise," Platke said of the WSU program.

"They have a great head coach. Walt seems like a great guy. I can't wait to play for him."

Platke also had offers from South Dakota State University and the University of Nevada Reno. Wagner University showed some interest.

Platke, who will turn 18 on Feb. 5, won the Class A state high school golf championship his sophomore year. He's been a state runner-up by a stroke his freshman and junior seasons.

Williams saw Platke win a Junior Tour event last month in Boise. Platke also won a Junior Tour event in Denver.

Platke is scheduled to play in the Junior Americas Cup in Evergreen, Colo., later this month. Then in August, it's off to Mississippi for the Big I Tournament.

Platke's hectic summer on the links also included a third-place finish at the MSGA State Tournament in Shelby.

"I've been busy," he said.

"I've done all the same tournaments in the past 2-3 years, but I haven't qualified as much as I have this year."

Platke visited WSU his freshman season and the Cougars started following him closely when he became a sophomore.

"It's exciting, very exciting," Platke said.

"I'd love to make the traveling team (at WSU) my freshman year."

He said the top six players travel.

But first things first. Platke still has one more season of high school golf to play.

"The perfect way for me to go out ... to win the team state championship," he said.

"Yes ... to have three team state championships. We won it my freshman and sophomore years and were third last year. Individual (title) would be nice, but the team is more important."

The team concept comes from his coach.

"He (Nelson) introduced me to the team game of course," Platke said.

"He's just a great guy. He teaches the golf game, the mental part of it and everything a kid could want."

Platke, who golfs six days a week and hits balls all seven, says his short game and putting have always been his strengths. He would like to improve his distance off the tees.

Platke divides his golf time between Whitefish Lake Golf Course and Big Mountain Golf Club. He's a member at both courses.

"A lot of people have supported me, been behind me - family, friends, everybody at the local golf courses," he said.

High school golf starts practice on Aug. 11. Whitefish's first outing is Aug. 15 at the Old Works Golf Club in Anaconda.

"It (signing) definitely takes the pressure off," Platke said.

"I'm looking forward to the rest of the year."