Jerry Pate, U.S. Amateur Golf Champ In Bergen County, To Have Clubs Displayed

PARAMUS, NJ — A year after his historic win at the 1974 U.S. Amateur at The Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, a young Jerry Pate donated his sand wedge that he used in the tournament to the U.S. Golf Association Museum and Library in Liberty Corner.

In an effort to help illustrate the significance of the championships, which are taking place at the country club again this year, the repository is showcasing the wedge and other select items from the 1974 tournament. It has also pulled out other artifacts related to Pate, including irons he used in the 1976 U.S. Open, which he won at 22 years old, USGA Brand Communications Manager Kimberly Barrett said.

The Golf Museum and Library is "bringing to life" golf's greatest stories through artifacts and celebrating the game's greatest champions, "while history continues to be made," Barrett said.

Pate, the 1974 amateur champion who defeated John Grace 2 and 1 in the final, is expected to be at the tournament Friday, and Barrett said she has requested the museum team bring the 1974 artifacts to "reunite Pate with his wedge."