Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Ryan Banas, Loyola Academy golf

Banas, of Winnetka, is a junior golfer for the Ramblers who was the co-medalist in the IHSA Class 3A Lyons Sectional Monday, Oct. 4. Banas was also the conference’s individual champion.

1. What is your pre-swing ritual? 

I try to run the shot I want through my mind, see how I want it to play out. There’s not really a particular number of swings. I’m trying to know how far I want to hit it, how hard I want to swing and what type of shot I want to hit.

2. What makes you a good golfer? 

The last year I’ve noticed my short game has drastically improved, especially my putting. I putt really well and hit the ball really far. 

3. Which is the favorite club in your bag?

My favorite club is probably my putter. Not always, but the last year or so it definitely has been.

4. Do you have a favorite pro golfer? 

Jordan Spieth. Ever since 2015, when he made that famous run to win the Masters and U.S. Open. He made me love golf even more and it’s definitely the reason I love it so much today. 

5. What do you hope to do after high school?

My dream is to play golf in college. That would be awesome. There are a lot of different schools I’m looking at in a lot of different areas, but I like the Northeast, Midwest and East Coast. But I would love to go anywhere.

6. What is your favorite thing to do off the course?

Just hang out with my friends, watch football, just relax and have a good time.

7. What is your dream job? 

Probably a sports announcer. That would be really cool. I’d love to be someone like Jim Nance or something.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Probably a Kit-Kat and Dr. Pepper. 

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I’ve always loved ketchup. I don’t put it on everything, but I just love it and I don’t know why.

10. What are your goals for state this weekend? 

Definitely being able to win is my dream. That’s the goal. But just going out there and giving 110 percent to every single shot I hit and giving it my all.

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