Developing his swing at Oakland's Airway Fairways driving range under Bateman's tutelage, Whitt captured the 1948 Alameda Commuters tournament as a teenager and that summer came within one hole of winning the Northern California Junior Golf Championship. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Whitt decided to turn professional, accepting a job as a club pro at Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland, California.
Whitt practiced his swing under Bateman's tutelage at Oakland's Airway Fairways driving range and won the 1948 Alameda Commuters tournament. That summer, he was one hole from winning the Northern California Junior Golf Championship. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Whitt decided to become a professional golfer, taking on the role of club pro at Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland.