Gates takes a one-stroke lead into today's third round at The Hills, a remarkable effort considering this is his first start in a Nationwide Tour event.
But the tall (1.98m) muscular Texan knows he could easily have had a much bigger lead had he been able to convert several birdie chances yesterday, not that it's in his laidback makeup to complain.
Asked if he could have bettered his 5-under 67 score yesterday, he quickly replied "Oh yeah", referring to missing golden opportunities on the easy 15th and a three-putt for par on the 17th.
"I hit a lot of great shots and felt like I made some good putts today.
"But I still need to capitalise on some of the easy holes I'm not taking advantage of, but I'm really excited and just kind of learning as I go."
Surprisingly, considering the perfect conditions for scoring yesterday, the top quarter of the final 68 to make the cut is still reasonably bunched, meaning Gates and Australian Andrew Dodt, one stroke back, will have to score low again to keep their positions at the head of the field.
There are six Australians in the top 13 at seven-under, five Americans, a Canadian and lone New Zealander Phil Tataurangi.
Other New Zealanders to make the cut were Josh Geary and Bradley Iles (-6), David Smail, who shot a disappointing 74 to slide down the leader board at minus 5, and Gareth Paddison (-2).
Fellow Kiwis Richard Lee and Mahal Pearce missed the cut by one and two shots respectively.
And from across "ditch" prominent Australians to be going home early included Craig Parry (by one shot), Stephen Leaney, Peter Lonard and Peter Senior.
But it is the thoroughly pleasant Mr Gates, and his diminutive, livewire caddy (and girlfriend) Lauren Johnson who seem to have captured the imagination of the golf fans this week, judging by the enthusiastic support shown by a growing gallery of fans following them yesterday.
Gates said he "really enjoyed" that friendly atmosphere.
"They support you and even when you hit a bad shot they are still applauding you."
Asked if he was nervous going into the last two days, Gates shrugged good naturedly:"Sure, it's only natural.
It's a great game and if you are not feeling nervous at all then you're not playing for anything."
But he also admitted to being excited at the prospect of doing so well in his first outing on the Nationwide Tour.
"I was really excited about the opportunity to come out here because it's a great learning experience.
"I'm putting myself in positions like I'm in now, where you learn how to win and compete at the highest levels in golf, because a lot of people who jump straight to the PGA Tour struggle a little bit, so I think statistically this has shown to be a great proving ground.
"I've put myself in the position to have a great weekend so I'm taking the positives and trying to keep going forward."
