His father, Frank (1872–1923), was a professional, as also were his uncles Charles and Sydney.

[2] Wingate was born in Harborne where his father was professional at the local club.

After being an assistant to his father at Hornsea, he moved again with his father to Ravensworth Golf Club, Gateshead in 1913 and was then professional at Wearside Golf Club, Sunderland from 1921 to 1923.

In 1924 he became the first professional at Temple Newsam Golf Club where he stayed until leaving in 1935 due to ill-health at the age of 42.

[1] He was runner-up in the Leeds Cup in 1920 and a semi-finalist in the News of the World Matchplay in 1921.