Wes Ellis

Wesley Ellis, Jr. (January 27, 1932 – June 4, 1984) was an American professional golfer. Ellis, Jr. who played on the PGA Tour in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Early life and amateur career Ellis was born in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and was a member of the golf team from 1950–1952. Ellis won the Massingill Trophy in 1950, and was the individual medalist at the Southwest Conference Championship in 1952. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in zoology.

Professional career In 1954, he turned professional. His last win came in 1965 at the San Diego Open Invitational in a playoff against golf legend Billy Casper. His victory in San Diego was unique in that Ellis used what is commonly known as a "cross-handed" putting grip; that is, as a right-handed golfer he kept his left hand below his right.

Ellis had four top-10 finishes in major championships: a T-9 at the 1956 U.S. Open, a T-8 at the 1966 U.S. Open, a 6th at the 1960 PGA Championship, and a T-5 at the 1961 PGA Championship.

Ellis, like many pro golfers of his generation, earned his living primarily as a club pro. For many years he was the head pro at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York and lived in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Personal life In 1984, Eliis died of kidney disease at the age of 52 at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey. He left behind his wife, Marian, and their four children - three daughters and a son.

Professional wins (15) PGA Tour wins (3)

PGA Tour playoff record (1–1) Source:

Other wins (12) 1957 Metropolitan Open 1961 New Jersey PGA Championship, Metropolitan Open 1962 New Jersey State Open, New Jersey PGA Championship 1963 New Jersey State Open, New Jersey PGA Championship, Metropolitan Open 1964 New Jersey PGA Championship 1968 Maracaibo Open Invitational, Westchester PGA Championship 1969 Westchester PGA Championship

Results in major championships Note: Ellis never played in The Open Championship.

WD = withdrew CUT = missed the half-way cut "T" indicates a tie for a place

Summary Most consecutive cuts made – 8 (1965 Masters – 1967 PGA) Longest streak of top-10s – 1 (four times)