Live Oak grad John Ellis will look to make his mark at next
week’s U.S. Open at Torrey Pines
Morgan Hill
By the time John Ellis tees off during the first round of the U.S. Open on Thursday, most people will have already decided, if they haven’t already, who the favorites are to play in the final pairing on Father’s Day.
Reporters will have filed most of their stories and groundskeepers will be stalking his group, the last of the day, trying to prepare San Diego’s Torrey Pines Golf Course for the next three rounds of play.
If Ellis has it his way, though, overlooking the Live Oak and Gavilan grad could play into his favor. Ellis’ confidence is soaring after gaining entry to the tournament through a first-place 4-under-par 140 in two rounds of qualifying play at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City on Monday. And after his recent victories at the Stockton Sports Commission Classic and the Corona Mazatlan PGA Championship this spring, Ellis, 29, is playing at a higher level than at any time in his career.
“I really don’t think there is too much of a difference in my game. I’m a little more consistent,” he said. “I feel like I think better on the golf course and I think that is maturity, and growing up and handling adversity.”
As Ellis readily admits, “In the span of five hours, bad things are going to happen, so how you deal with that will dictate how you play.”
Facing greens that are as slippery as salamanders and rough tall enough for children to disappear after a few steps, Torrey Pines has been spiced up in preparation for the best golfers in the world.
PGA-certified instructor Don DeLorenzo of Gilroy Golf Course has watched Ellis’ career progress from a distance, and thinks the Morgan Hill native could be poised to make a splash.
“[The U.S. Open] is notorious for just being so nasty,” DeLorenzo said. “They grow the rough, bake the fairways, bake the greens … really, the person that can hold it together is what separates the winners from the non-winners.”
“Learning how to win is something John definitely knows how to do now.”
Ellis’ brother, Chris, will be caddying for him throughout the weekend, which should give the Canadian Tour leader in Order of Merit – Ellis has almost double the dollars ($45,800) of second place Adam Bland – a better comfort level as he plays on an unfamiliar course in front of the biggest galleries of his career.
“[Chris] has caddied for me before and we’ve done all right together, so it should be good” Ellis said.
More than anything, Ellis’ confidence will play the most important role in his success. Luckily, he isn’t lacking any. Ellis won’t be satisfied with just making the cut after two rounds.
“I expect to perform really well, so I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m there Sunday with a chance to win it,” he said, noting that it would be quite a moment to be playing for a major championship on Father’s Day in front of his dad, Dave, and fiance, Shannon Smartt.
Then there’s the possibility of standing toe-to-toe with possibly the best player to ever pick up a club.
“Look Tiger in the eyes and tell him I’m not afraid of him,” Ellis said, “I look forward to a challenge like that.”
No matter where he finishes, if Ellis has a chance to play alongside Tiger Woods, you can bet it will be a Father’s Day Ellis and family won’t soon forget.
