Pebble Beach – For three days, a large, raucous gallery followed one golfer’s every move as he drudged his way through three courses and 56 holes at the AT&T Pro-Am.
Bill Murray, Justin Timberlake, Ray Romano, George Lopez, Donald Trump and Tom Brady needed no introduction and naturally had some of the largest galleries during the first three rounds. But it was a vitual unknown to most, Morgan Hill resident John Ellis, who was able to brag of one of the most faithful contingencies.
Ellis’ loyal fans cheered his every move as though he were Phil Mickelson or Tiger Woods and even after he failed to qualify for Sunday’s final round, his faithful fans, positioned in the bleachers and around the 9th green (his final hole) gave him a standing ovation worthy of a champion. This despite his 2-over-par 74 that would leave him five shots short of making the cut.
“It just wasn’t very good,” Ellis said immediately after exiting the 9th green. “I was right there all day long but I just couldn’t string anything solid and consistent together.”
As for his faithful gallery, Ellis left no doubt as to how he felt about their support.
“It was great playing in front of so many loyal friends and fans. I have to say that they were a bit crazy, actually, probably too crazy and over-the-top at times,” Ellis said as he headed to the scoring booth to sign his card. “But I can’t tell them all enough how much I appreciate them coming out. It made the experience unforgettable.”
Ellis’ Saturday round could best be summed up as one of near misses as most of his birdie putts would just slip by and more than a few of his testy par putts found a way of rimming out.
“It was definitely a bit aggravating. I was so close on so many putts. But that’s what it takes out here. It takes putting solid rounds together,” explained Ellis.
While missing the cut certainly had to leave Ellis with an empty feeling, his demeanor and post-round interview were more reflective of a golfer that had been given that rare opportunity and had learned volumes from the experience.
“Just being out here with these guys and having the round I had on Thursday (4-under-par 68) gives me the encouragement I need to know that I can do this,” said Eliis. “Playing with a solid professional like Bo (Van Pelt) taught me a lot. He hit 7-under-par for our three rounds and he was very gracious and the consummate professional. He gave me encouragement all the way through and was as great a playing partner as you could ask for.
After missing the cut Ellis promptly went into “what’s next” mode by loading his clubs and heading south to Los Angeles where he hoped to qualify for the PGA’s next stop, the Nissan Open this weekend.
On Monday morning Ellis string of near misses continued as he shot a 1-under par 70 only to find out that he needed a 2-under-par 69 to make the tournament.
But chasing your dream is a tireless journey and by Monday afternoon Ellis was back in his car and heading further south. This time his stop would take him to San Diego where he plans to compete in the Spanos Tour’s first event of the year. The three day tournament begins today and has the former Live Oak and Gavilan alum pumped and ready to go.
“I had a lot of success on this Tour last year and I’m looking forward to playing this week,” Ellis said from his car en route to the tournament.
This past week has only given John Ellis more confidence and made him more determined to chase his dream of a PGA card. Following his practice round on Wednesday Ellis proclaimed, “Walking up the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach on Sunday afternoon. That’s the ultimate. It doesn’t get any better than that … no doubt about it.”
For John Ellis you can’t help but believe that’s a walk that’s not that far away.
