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The University of Utah Athletics
Where Are They Now: Golfer Ryan Ellis
7/16/2020 9:49 AM | Men's Golf
UtahUtes.com recently caught up with standout Utah golfer Ryan Ellis, who played with the Utes during the 2000-01 season after transferring from Utah Valley State College.
Ellis made an immediate impact for the Utes as he landed three top-10 finishes that season and advanced to the Individual NCAA Regional Championship. He placed 18th overall after shooting 4-under (70-70-72).
Q: What was your experience like playing collegiate golf at the U?
A: My experience was a dream come true! It was unbelievable. I had no expectations to play collegiate golf growing up as a kid. So, to have the opportunity to play against other schools and pack a bag with the U of U on it, was crazy. It gave me the opportunity to play golf at a higher level, travel to places I would've never gone on my own and to play against talented golfers across the country.
Q: How important was it for you to graduate with a degree before heading into the professional golf circuit?
A: Graduating with a degree (BS Economics) from the U was my number one goal. I worked hard to be given an opportunity to play collegiate golf, and to also earn my degree while playing a sport I love was icing on the cake!
Q: What was your experience like getting to play on the Mackenzie Tour?
A: Advancing through qualifying school to earn my Mackenzie Tour card (A.K.A., Canadian Tour back when I was playing) was very exciting and gratifying! There are many things to learn playing professional golf and this tour really taught me how to travel, play in different conditions and on different types of grasses. Playing this tour made me realize there is a whole new level of talent that forced me to work harder and improve my game. I am very thankful and blessed to have been able to play professional golf for a living.
Q: What was your favorite tournament and why?
A: My favorite event was the MTS Classic in Winnipeg at Pine Ridge Golf Course as this was the first cut I made on the Mackenzie Tour and had some of my best finishes on this tour at this event.
Q: What was your favorite part about getting to be a professional golfer?
A: Getting to travel to different cities, play different courses and meet great people/players everywhere we went. I also loved the adrenaline while playing in tournaments and getting into contention.
Q: After finishing your professional golf career, what career path did you choose and why?
A: After playing professional golf, it was tough to transition into a different career path. I had accepted a job as a sales rep to get my foot in the door at a company that had amazing growth opportunities. This led me to different roles throughout my career and eventually into the account management role I am in now. Playing collegiate/professional golf also taught me the work ethic needed to succeed in whatever path you take.
Q: You got to start a family, what has it been like becoming a father?
A: This has been such a blessing and such an awesome experience! I love watching my kids grow at every age! My oldest child is starting to learn the game of golf and it's been so fun watching her develop a passion for the game. Having the opportunity to be a dad is the ultimate win.
Q: How do you feel your time at Utah helped you prepare for post-graduation life?
A: My time at the U helped me greatly with discipline, work ethic and managing my time. As a student-athlete you have a busy schedule balancing school, golf and life which can be overwhelming. The U showed me how to accomplish this and be prepared for the future.
Q: What was your favorite part about competing at the U?
A: My favorite part competing at the U. was playing and traveling with teammates, feeling the adrenaline rush of competing in tournaments and being proud to represent the U of U!
Ellis made an immediate impact for the Utes as he landed three top-10 finishes that season and advanced to the Individual NCAA Regional Championship. He placed 18th overall after shooting 4-under (70-70-72).
Q: What was your experience like playing collegiate golf at the U?
A: My experience was a dream come true! It was unbelievable. I had no expectations to play collegiate golf growing up as a kid. So, to have the opportunity to play against other schools and pack a bag with the U of U on it, was crazy. It gave me the opportunity to play golf at a higher level, travel to places I would've never gone on my own and to play against talented golfers across the country.
Q: How important was it for you to graduate with a degree before heading into the professional golf circuit?
A: Graduating with a degree (BS Economics) from the U was my number one goal. I worked hard to be given an opportunity to play collegiate golf, and to also earn my degree while playing a sport I love was icing on the cake!
Q: What was your experience like getting to play on the Mackenzie Tour?
A: Advancing through qualifying school to earn my Mackenzie Tour card (A.K.A., Canadian Tour back when I was playing) was very exciting and gratifying! There are many things to learn playing professional golf and this tour really taught me how to travel, play in different conditions and on different types of grasses. Playing this tour made me realize there is a whole new level of talent that forced me to work harder and improve my game. I am very thankful and blessed to have been able to play professional golf for a living.
Q: What was your favorite tournament and why?
A: My favorite event was the MTS Classic in Winnipeg at Pine Ridge Golf Course as this was the first cut I made on the Mackenzie Tour and had some of my best finishes on this tour at this event.
Q: What was your favorite part about getting to be a professional golfer?
A: Getting to travel to different cities, play different courses and meet great people/players everywhere we went. I also loved the adrenaline while playing in tournaments and getting into contention.
Q: After finishing your professional golf career, what career path did you choose and why?
A: After playing professional golf, it was tough to transition into a different career path. I had accepted a job as a sales rep to get my foot in the door at a company that had amazing growth opportunities. This led me to different roles throughout my career and eventually into the account management role I am in now. Playing collegiate/professional golf also taught me the work ethic needed to succeed in whatever path you take.
Q: You got to start a family, what has it been like becoming a father?
A: This has been such a blessing and such an awesome experience! I love watching my kids grow at every age! My oldest child is starting to learn the game of golf and it's been so fun watching her develop a passion for the game. Having the opportunity to be a dad is the ultimate win.
Q: How do you feel your time at Utah helped you prepare for post-graduation life?
A: My time at the U helped me greatly with discipline, work ethic and managing my time. As a student-athlete you have a busy schedule balancing school, golf and life which can be overwhelming. The U showed me how to accomplish this and be prepared for the future.
Q: What was your favorite part about competing at the U?
A: My favorite part competing at the U. was playing and traveling with teammates, feeling the adrenaline rush of competing in tournaments and being proud to represent the U of U!
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