By Sara Biela — Content Editor
Within a Gemini lies two different personalities and the uncertainty of which side you will face.
One consists of being expressive and social, while the other shows a serious complexion that makes the Gemini shine in sports.
Professional golfer Pat Hurst channels that competitive persona when she steps onto the green.
“I’m aggressive and always have been,” she said. “I’m a good ball striker with good distance control – and when I’m putting well, that’s when you put it all together and win some events. I don’t have any give up.”
Born on May 23, the San Leandro native first picked up the clubs when she was 11. Whether it was practicing, competing or just playing video games, Hurst said the golf course was always her go-to spot.
At 17, Hurst claimed the 1986 United States Golf Association (USGA) Girls Junior Championship before starting her collegiate career at San Jose State.
Three years later at Stanford Golf Course, the sophomore helped lead SJSU to its second national championship.
“I’ve always been taught to just go out and play,” Hurst said. “No matter what tournament I’m in, I give it 100 percent.”
The long-ball hitter finished even with a 292 score on a par-73 to clinch the 1989 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship individual title.
To this day, the Gemini remains the only Spartan alumna to win the accolade.
Not only was the victory a huge accomplishment for Hurst, but having her family in attendance made it even more special.
“I had my family here and my grandma was in town from Japan,” Hurst said. “She was close to 80 at the time and she was out there every step of the way. It was fun to be able to play in front of her and to do it right here at home.”
During her time as a Spartan, she also won USGA’s Women’s Amateur title in 1990 and decided to go pro the following year.
Hurst initially never imagined herself going pro, but as she progressed through her young career, it became more of a reality each day.
Mark Gale, SJSU’s 19-year head coach for three national championships, knew it was only a matter of time.
“Pat brought a win attitude and work ethic to the team,” Gale said. “After winning several tournaments competing with the countries best teams, including first place in the national championship, there was no doubt in my mind she could win at the pro level.”
With time and hard work, the two-time Big West Conference champion earned her Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) status in 1994.
Hurst immediately gained recognition by winning LPGA’s “Rookie of the Year” honors in 1995.
With six LPGA titles, including one major championship to her name, she doesn’t single out any specific
achievement.
Instead, the social and adventurous Gemini highlights the memories she made along the way.
“Whether it’s junior, amateur or professional golf, I have memories from each one,” Hurst said. “The most memorable are the relationships you make out there, the travel you do and the things you get to see that you don’t normally see. It’s not necessarily just about the golf, but more about the different cultures.”
While competing on the LPGA Tour, Hurst also represented the U.S. in five Solheim Cups. She then was appointed to assistant captain in 2015 and 2017.
Entering her first year coaching college golf, Hurst utilizes those leadership skills onto a successful Spartan golf program.
Her former Spartan teammate couldn’t be happier to work alongside her.
“To have somebody with Pat’s résumé and credibility with our players has been great,” said head coach Dana Dormann. “The team is really enjoying having her around and she brings some fun to the travels.”
Geminis are also known for being adaptable and exchanging ideas.
As the newest assistant coach for the women’s golf team, Hurst applies those qualities to the team, while also teaching them more than what the textbooks say.
“Dana teaches them more with their swing, and I feel like I can help a lot with course management,” she said. “I always felt that as one of the top things of my game, and I can carry that onto the team.”
“It’s not just all about golf, it’s about life lessons too. I hope they can look back at us and say ‘I learned a lot from them.’”
Hurst’s pertinent history as a pro golfer and inspiring personality have brought a lot to the team and its success.
With four fall invitationals of experience, including one first place finish, the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame inductee is eager to get rolling for SJSU’s spring season.
“I’m enjoying it so far. It’s a learning process here and it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “I think between Dana and I, we can put our heads together and elevate the team a lot.”
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