Devon Prep golfer Ryan McCabe is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The Devon Prep sophomore tied for second at the PIAA Golf Championships (boys AA division), shooting a one-over-par 72 in the final (second) round at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York. He also was District 12 champion (boys 2A) and medalist at the Philadelphia Catholic League Championships, shooting even par at LuLu Country Club to win by one stroke. Off the course, McCabe is a member of the Stock Market Club at Devon Prep, and he participate in various service projects during the golf off-season.

 

Q: After your first round at States, in which you shot 79, you went to the practice tee after the round to work on a few things. Can you share with us what you worked on, and how it affected your play in the final round the next day?

 

A: After my first round, Coach [Brian] Rogers and my dad worked with me on the range to help me hit my wedges and irons better than I had in the first day to compensate for the windy conditions at Heritage Hills. This led to me hitting more greens in the second round, which opened up the birdie opportunities.

 

Q: What is your sharpest memory of that tournament?

 

A: Birdieing the first two holes (Nos. 10-11) in the second round to start my momentum towards a comeback. On No. 10 (a tight 346 yard par 4) I hit a driver and sand wedge, on No. 11 (a hilly 590-yard par 5) I used my driver, 3 hybrid and gap wedge.

 

Q: What is your favorite club and why (can you give specs)? What is your favorite golf ball and why? What size grips do you feel most comfortable with?

 

A: My favorite club is my 54 degree Calloway sand wedge because it is easy to hit full swing shots with it onto greens. I enjoy playing with Titleist golf balls, which have a good combination of spin and distance. The grips I feel most comfortable with are standard size.

 

Q: What part of your game do you consider strongest? What aspect of your game are you working on the most currently?

 

A: My iron shots are the strongest part of my game. I am working to improve my putting and chipping.

 

Q: You mentioned that your best round of the high school season this fall was your even par round at the Philadelphia Catholic League Championships. What was particularly working for you that day?

 

A: I think that my putting was very consistent.

 

Q: What golf mentors have been particularly influential to you? What has been the most important thing you have learned from each of them?

 

A: Both of my Devon Prep coaches, Brian Rogers and Monica Pedano, have taught me how to be more mature in my decision-making during rounds. My dad, Francis McCabe, has mentored me since I started playing golf. He has taught me the fundamentals of the game, and has helped me identify and learn from my mistakes. Teaching professional Stu Ingraham has helped me improve my swing and overall knowledge of the game.

 

Q: What is your favorite hole at your home course, and why? What is your favorite golf course and why?

 

A: The 12th hole at The Springhaven Club is my favorite because it is a short par five that I can reach in two but it still has difficulty once you reach the green. My favorite golf course is Springhaven because of the support of the members and staff and the challenging layout of the course.

 

Q: Who is your favorite golfer and why? Is there a golfer whose game you try to pattern your game after?

 

A: My favorite golfer is Tiger Woods. I try to stay focused the way that Tiger does when he plays.

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Devon Prep?

 

A: Any history course that I have taken at Devon Prep.

 

Fun Facts – Ryan McCabe

Favorite book: The Martian.

Favorite author: J.R. Tolkien.

Favorite TV show: The Office.

Favorite movie: Caddyshack.

Favorite athlete: Aaron Rodgers.

Favorite pre-match pump-up song: Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill.

Favorite Team: Eagles.

Favorite place to visit: Florida.

Favorite pre-match meal: Wawa.

Person I most admire: “My dad, because he always expects the best from me.”

Family members: parents Francis and Mary, sisters Shannon and Sarah.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)