A seven-year climb through the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America apprenticeship program eventually led one golf professional from courses in Arizona and Alabama to his newest role at Shirkey Golf Course in Ray County. Ryan Rouch recently became the new golf professional and general manager at Shirkey Golf Course, where he now oversees both golf operations and the clubhouse restaurant after years spent working in the golf and hospitality industries. Rouch said golf was not originally the sport he expected would shape his future. Growing up in Shawnee, Kan., much of his youth focused on wrestling before eventually finding himself around the Gardner Golf Course during high school, where his girlfriend’s father and brother both worked as golf professionals. “So, basically, I got to play golf all the time,” stated Rouch. As his interest in golf continued growing, Rouch said his priorities began shifting after high school. Although he described himself as a strong…