By Elizabeth Contreras
VYPE: What first drew you to golf?
Ellie Aldridge: Going into my freshman year, I decided softball wasn’t in the books for me anymore, so I turned all my focus to golf. I practiced every day, and I qualified as the two bag my freshman year.
VYPE: What part of your game do you take the most pride in right now?
EA: I take the most pride in my mental strength. Beyond the mental side, I feel most confident off the tee. Right now, I’m hitting it the best I ever have.
VYPE: What’s going through your head on the first tee of a tournament?
EA: I usually volunteer to go first on the tee box. It’s one of those things where no one really wants to do it, so I just get it out of the way.
VYPE: What separates good golfers from great ones?
EA: It’s the ability to combine physical skill with a strong mental approach that sets them apart.
VYPE: How do you balance the individual nature of golf with being part of a team?
EA: Great team golfers stay focused on their own performance while also encouraging their teammates. It’s about taking pride in both your individual role and the bigger picture.
VYPE: Who has had the biggest impact on your growth?
EA: The person who has had the biggest impact on my growth is my dad. After every round, he gives me feedback. Some might see it as nitpicking, but to me, it shows how much he cares, and it’s made a huge impact on my game.
VYPE: What’s an underrated skill in golf that casual fans might overlook?
EA: You’re expected to hit a tiny ball with a metal club hundreds of yards and get it in the hole in just a few strokes. It may not look physically demanding, but mentally, it’s one of the toughest sports out there.
VYPE: What goals are pushing you this season?
EA: The most prominent one is to earn All State. Every Aldridge that has been through Perkins had been an All Stater in something.
VYPE: What do you hope people remember about you as a golfer?
EA: I want to be remembered for my character and the way I carried myself.
