NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Vanderbilt men’s golf team announced the addition of two new Commodores on Wednesday, as Bowen Ballis and Ryan Downes have each signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Vanderbilt starting in the fall of 2024.
“It is always a very exciting day to welcome new players and their families into our Vandy golf family,” expressed Vanderbilt men’s golf head coach Scott Limbaugh. “This class once again shows the strength of the Vanderbilt brand and we know Bowen and Ryan will help us continue to be our best on the course, in the classroom, and in our community. They are high-character guys, and they’re really excited to help us continue to elevate Vandy golf to the highest level.”
Bowen Ballis | The Woodlands, Texas | The Woodlands College Park HS
Ballis comes to Nashville from The Woodlands, Texas, where he is a senior at The Woodlands College Park High School. The newest Dore is the third-ranked player in Texas according to Junior Golf Scoreboard. The publication also listed him as the No. 17-best high school prospect in the nation.
The Texas native has twice won the American Junior Golf Association’s Bass Pro Shops Junior Championship. He finished at 9-under 204 to win the 2021 AJGA Bass Pro Shop Junior title, then he followed that up by carding 3-under 210 at the 2022 championship. In August, Ballis finished in a tie for sixth at the AJGA Jack Burke Jr. Invitational after carding 3-under 213. He also finished in a tie for seventh at the 2023 Junior North & South Amateur and tied for eighth at the AJGA Pete & Alice Dye Junior Invitational.
Coach Limbaugh on Ballis
“Bowen is a great player who also has a lot of leadership qualities. He has played some of his best golf on some of the biggest stages in junior golf, which will help him be ready to step right in here and contribute.”
Excited to welcome Bowen Ballis to our Vandy Golf Family
He comes to the Music City from The Woodlands, Texas
⚓️⬇️#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/mKYCSL4vsi
— Vanderbilt Men’s Golf (@VandyMGolf) November 8, 2023
Ryan Downes | Longmeadow, Mass. | Longmeadow High School
Downes comes to Vanderbilt from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where he attends Longmeadow High School. He is the top-ranked high school prospect in Massachusetts, while Golfweek lists him as the ninth-best golfer in the 2024 class.
The newest Commodore was named the Massachusetts Junior Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Downes won the 2023 AJGA Justin Thomas Junior Champion in April after carding 10-under 206. He also captured the 2023 Massachusetts Amateur Championship, and he is a two-time Francis Ouimet Memorial Champion, winning the event in 2022 and 2023.
Limbaugh on Downes
“Ryan has proven he is a winner and a great competitor. We are excited about his skillset and believe he can make an immediate impact on our team.”
Excited to welcome Ryan Downes to our Vandy Golf Family
He comes to the Music City from Longmeadow, Massachusetts
⚓️⬇️#AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/8rTm1m2MmA
— Vanderbilt Men’s Golf (@VandyMGolf) November 8, 2023
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