(INTRODUCTION: Learning to deal with water hazards and sand traps, or putting properly, isn't the biggest challenge in golf. It's the mental aspect of the game according to Ryan Dougherty.)

---

 
How young were you when you started to golf?
 8 Years old
 
How did you become involved with it?
 My grandfather is an avid golfer so that's what initially got me started in the game. He would casually take me to the course on weekends and I soon became hooked.
 
What was the most challenging part of the game for you to master?
The mental game by far. All other aspects of golf hinge on this so if it isn't good, it's hard to play well.
 
How did you eventually conquer that challenge?
 I've definitely gotten better at it, but the mental game of golf is impossible to conquer!
 
Is there a part of the game that looks 'relatively easy' when you watch in person or on TV but is difficult when you are standing over the ball?
Absolutely. I would say shots around the green that require really good touch and feel. It's easy when your playing a contact sport and its all instant reactions and hustle, but a tough aspect of golf is having to calm down and play with touch.
 
You had a very successful career at North Allegheny High School in the Pittsburgh area. What was it like competing in the IJCT Tournament of Champions and the HJGT Junior Tournament?
 It was a great time playing in high school and junior golf. My senior year I played in a lot of tournaments throughout the country against some of the best juniors in the country. The IJGT tournament of champions was particularly memorable as I had the best final round in a field of over 100 players (69, -3). The HGJT tournament was one of my better events as I shot 69-75 in some brutal spring weather to win the tournament.
 
When you watch golf on television, do you pick up any ideas from how the professionals play a particular lie?
Honestly, not really. It is hard to pickup on skills through a TV screen. More for what I'm looking for is their strategy and how they compete.
 
Do you have a favorite course to play on?
I have a few- from a pure golf perspective probably Oakmont Country Club and Pebble Beach. I also have to give a shoutout to my home course, Wildwood Country Club in Pittsburgh. There are just so many great memories I have there of growing up and playing the game with my friends every summer.
 
Is there a tournament – or other competition – that you recall from time to time?
Yes, but not one specific event. It's always nice from time to time remembering an under par round in a big event or a tournament victory.
 
When you are home, do you plan to work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
I used to when I was in high school but don't have time anymore with work and other obligations that take up the summer. 
 
What was your first contact with the University of Rochester?
I first visited and took a tour when I was at a junior tournament in Buffalo during my junior year of high school. I really liked the campus so I contacted Coach (Dan) Wesley later that year and the rest is history!
 
What made Economics attractive as a major for you?
Economics has always been my favorite subject since taking it in high school. I really like how the major looks at both the market and the individual decisions of consumers. Economics is a great lens to view the world from. 
 
Have you worked with any campus groups tied to your studies?
Yes, I've been an economics teaching assistant for Professor Rizzo & also have been involved in URIB, which is an undergraduate program for students interested in pursuing a career in investment banking.