Ryan Butler
PERSONAL – Ryan is one of the youngest Montemar members and is still out there living the life. He was born and raised in Sacramento and still lives here. Ryan works remotely for a company called Service Channel, which sells facilities management software solutions. He started golfing at the age of 8, playing twice per week with his grandma, and has continued to play since.
TIE TO THE MONTEMAR – Ryan was a co-worker of mine when I worked at Haggin Oaks golf complex. His eyes lit up when I invited him to this tournament last year. I think because everything about it is right up his alley…. Golf, drinking, smoking, good guys, lots of fun, and a chance to add to his collection of more than 100 course ball-markers. Ryan is a great guy for this group – fun personality, solid player, and will remind us old farts what’s it’s like to be a little younger.
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MONTEMAR – Nothing so far but I’m hoping Ryan will use his creative imagination and come up with a cool prize to donate to the Montemar.
WHAT NEEDED TO HAPPEN IN 2024 – If you look at my note for what needed to happen in 2023 the biggest concern for Ryan was his ability to pace himself, set multiple alarm clocks, and make sure he shows up to all the rounds. He passed with flying colors. This year’s he’s got some additional challenges. Ryan has a few buddies coming with him this year and he’s also at an age where birthday parties tend to last a week, as opposed to a day. This last part is of extra importance as Ryan (who share’s my birthday), has a birthday four days before we tee off. What kind of shape will he be in come Saturday and can he last three more rounds. If he can make it through it all he’ll go down as a legend in his own right and has every chance of putting on the jacket come Monday. The 2nd most bonus points of anybody in the field will only help. He’s a darkhorse of mine to win this tournament.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN 2024 – Butler continues to impress me. Three more rounds in Coeur D’Alene and the man continued to show up day in and day out. Unfortunately for Ryan, his golf game didn’t make it to the course with him and he failed to break 100 in either of his tries. This isn’t the worst thing for a normal person but Ryan is capable of getting into the 70s. All was well though because he saved his best shot for the most important sho and stuck his tee shot on the island green to a couple feet of the hole, collecting the $1200 KP payout and paying for the majority of his trip.
WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IN 2025 – Ryan needs to continue to show up but this year he needs to bring his golf game with him. The courses won’t be as tough but the extracurricular temptations will be much tougher. Reno stays open all night. Hopefully the off day Saturday will be a day of recovery but you never know. If Ryan can find his golf game, take advantage of his massive 30 handicap he’ll have this year, and continue to be the reliable guy he’s proving to me, the jacket is in reach in Reno.
ODDS TO WIN 65-1
MONTEMARS PLAYED – 3 (2022 – Sacramento, 2023 - Scottsdale, 2024 - Coeur D’Alene)
MONTEMAR ROUNDS PLAYED – 7 (2022 – Yoche, 2023 – TPC Scottsdale, TS Piipaash, TS O’odham, 2024 - Circling Raven x 2, Coeur D’Alene Resort Course)
LIFETIME POINT TOTAL – 561
JACKETS WON – 0
TOP 3 FINISHES – 0
TOP 5 FINISHES – 0
TOP 10 FINISHES – 0
RECORDS – 0
TOURNAMENT HANDICAP - 30
INVITED BY – OLIVER KENYON
PLAYERS INVITED - 4 (Nick Thompson, Randy Vincent, Dylan Allward, Cole Davey)
PRIZES DONATED – None yet but got a feeling Ryan will come up with something cool.
