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

McCabe, a senior, has compiled an impressive golfing record over the past few years for the Tide. Last fall, McCabe tied for third place at the PIAA Class AA state golf championship, and finished ninth at the PIAA Class AA East Regionals. As a sophomore, McCabe tied for second at the PIAA 2A state championships, shooting 79-72-151, tied for third at the PIAA East Regionals and finished first at the District 12 championships.

 

 

Q: Last fall, you tied for third place at the PIAA Class AA state golf championship, and finished ninth at the PIAA Class AA East Regionals. What is your most vivid memory of the PIAA post-season? What do you think was your best round of the post-season, and what was particularly working for you that day?

 

A: Last year, my most vivid memory was my second round at states. I had a bad start to the round and I knew I had to make up a lot of strokes to have a chance of winning, but ultimately came up short in the end, but the experience definitely taught me a few things about how I can perform when faced with adversity. My best round from last year’s postseason would be my first round at states, and the main reason why was because I was hitting my irons well and wasn’t missing many shots.

 

Q: What was the biggest challenge for you in keeping your game in shape during the COVID-19 lockdown, and how did you meet that challenge?

 

A: The biggest challenge I faced was being able to practice and continue practicing fundamentals. I was able to overcome this by chipping and putting in my basement which kept my short-game relatively fresh.

Q: What do you think was your best tournament this summer, and what was working best for you in that tourney?

A: My best tournament this summer was a two-day Hurricane Junior Tour event at Five Ponds Golf Club. I shot two even par rounds and was hitting a lot of greens and making very few mistakes.

 

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 game is probably the strongest aspect of my game, and I have been working on my wedges and approach shots.

 

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 Taylormade Spider putter, and my favorite ball is Titleist ProV1x. I use standard sized grips

 

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: My dad has been the most influential mentor to me, and he has taught me how to play smarter and how to overcome adversity during tournament rounds.

 

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

 

A: My favorite hole at my home course of Springhaven would be the 12th hole, which is a short par 5 that is reachable in two and a fun hole to play. My favorite golf course is Firestone South because it is a beautiful course with a lot of difficult shots.

 

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 because he is so entertaining to watch in big moments. I try to model my game after Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas because my game is very similar to theirs.

 

Q: What do you think you would like to major in at college?

A: I would like to major in business.

 

Fun facts – Ryan McCabe

Favorite TV show: Narcos.

Favorite movie: Avengers Endgame.

Favorite athlete: Miles Sanders.

Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.

Siblings: older 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.)