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Rebel Golfers Have Productive Summer

Several team members have faired well during the summer months.

Aug. 2, 2006

OXFORD, Miss. - While summer has been an off time for most of the college world, that has not been the case for the members of the Ole Miss men's golf team.

"We have a few players that have had a great summer" said Ole Miss head coach Earnest Ross. "I'm excited to see the progress they have made."

Rising senior Kyle Ellis has made numerous strides this summer as he prepares for the fall schedule for the Rebels. The Senatobia, Miss., native, has hit the fairways running, so to speak. Ellis has won the Mississippi Amateur by two strokes this summer, the Mississippi State Open by six strokes and the Farm Bureau Invitational. His play over the summer months has earned him recognition by his peers, as he is in the hunt for Mississippi Golf Association Player of the Year. He has also played and won a tournament on his home course in Senatobia. Ellis hopes the experience helps him better prepare himself for the fall.

"I've just been trying not to make mistakes," said Ellis. "I've been learning to play with a lot of patience. The hard work is starting to pay off."

Ellis has also played with some his teammates over the few months. Fellow senior Chris Rogers won the Spirit of America Classic in Decatur, Alabama, beating Ellis by one stroke (280 to 281).

Sophomore Larry Blatt has also found his stride this summer, qualifying for the US Amateur with a two-day score of 143. He also has qualified for the Illinois Amateur, as well as the Western Amateur, qualifying as a medalist after shooting a 69. Blatt also finished third in the Rice Planters in Bluffton, S.C. with a 10-under-par. Blatt has been working with a swing coach.

"It is a world of difference," said Blatt. "It just goes to show that with hard work, good things can happen. I can't wait to get back in the fall. I think we are going to have a good team."

Junior David Marino has also found the time to hit the links, making it all the way to the finals of the Rhode Island Amateur Championship before losing in the final match.

With all the good news over the summer, Ross is looking forward to having the guys ready for the fall.

"All have great work ethic," Ross said. "As a coach, I couldn't ask for more."