Colin Prater, a high school biology teacher from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is making waves at the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Prater discovered his passion for biology in high school and excelled in the subject, eventually becoming the only student to receive an A in AP Biology. Now 29 years old, Prater continues to balance his love for teaching with his passion for golf, as he is the lone high school biology teacher competing in the U.S. Open this year.
Prater’s journey to Pinehurst came through the U.S. Open’s qualification system, which saw 9,522 hopefuls vying for just 73 coveted spots in the field. Prater secured his position by performing well at the final qualifier in Bend, Oregon, where he shot 68-73 to earn a spot in the 44-player field. Balancing his teaching responsibilities with his golf commitments can be challenging, but Prater maintains clinical efficiency during the school year and focuses on keeping his fundamentals sharp.
The U.S. Open presents a unique challenge with Pinehurst’s tricky inverted-saucer greens, known for being difficult to navigate. Prater previously played in the 2019 U.S. Amateur at Pinehurst and describes the course as one of the toughest he has ever encountered. Despite the challenges, Prater believes he is a mentally stronger player today and is ready to tackle the course with expert guidance and support from his caddie and fellow golfers.
Prater’s dedication to golf dates back to his junior days, where he was inspired by his grandfather and enjoyed success as a junior and college golfer in Colorado. In 2020, he achieved a rare feat by winning the Colorado Golf Association’s Amateur and Match Play titles in the same year. While professional golf aspirations were once on his radar, Prater chose to focus on teaching and sharing his passion for biology with students, blending his love for golf into his classroom discussions.
Prater’s U.S. Open experience includes playing alongside top players like defending champion Wyndham Clark and world number one Scottie Scheffler. Despite the pressure of competing at one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, Prater remains focused on cherishing the moment and embracing the support of his family, friends, and students. He aspires to be the best amateur player from Colorado and continues to inspire others through his dedication to both teaching and golf.
As a high school biology teacher on a remarkable journey to Pinehurst for the U.S. Open, Colin Prater’s story embodies the spirit of perseverance, passion, and dedication to his craft. His unique path to professional golf showcases the intersection of education and sports, highlighting the impact one individual can make on their students and the broader golfing community. Prater’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and educators alike, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
