Hey Team Titleist!
We are back with a new Team Titleist member spotlight, and this time around, we interviewed Ryan Montgomery, a FAA Licensed drone photographer and videographer who specializes in golf course footage. I came across Ryan's Instagram account, @MontyAerials and instantly scrolled through the photo after photo of magnificent views from some of the most beautiful golf courses.
I was fortunate to meet Ryan at this year's PGA Show and he was game to answer some of our questions. Enjoy Ryan's perspective and story in his answers below.
How did you get your start in drone photography?
In 2012 I had just graduated college, worked in Defense Contracting, and was driving back home up I-95 from Chapel Hill, North Carolina to Arlington, Virginia after hitting some golf balls with my girlfriend (now wife).
During the ride I decided I was going to buy a drone, learn to fly it, and start filming and photographing golf courses. I ordered my first drone that same night on Amazon and it was the most expensive thing i’d ever bought. Instead of working with golf courses, I ended up developing a partnership with the American Battlefield Trust where I shot Civil War and Revolutionary War battlefields up and down the east coast. I majored in history and loved having this creative outlet to pursue on weekends while I continued my work in Defense Contracting.
My wife and I eventually left Virginia for Colorado for a change in scenery. One day I went on a run around Denver’s City Park Golf Course, and saw someone flying a really nice drone over the course. That’s how I met Braden Hanson of Premier Aerials (his company has shot more than 1,400 golf courses around the world). We developed a partnership shortly after meeting, I left my job of six years, and we worked with over 60 golf courses in 15 different states in 2018.
What do you pack to shoot a golf course?
My drone case is 65 pounds fully loaded: Six sets of batteries, camera, lenses, propellors, controllers, an iPad and old scorecards.
Along with the case, I show up to shoot a course with coffee and a Clif bar. I also always bring my golf glove and a few golf balls just in case I get the chance to play a few holes with a set of rentals (preferably Titleist!).
How did you get started in golf?
We lived in Texas when I was little and my Dad worked in athletics at Southern Methodist University. I received my first lessons at Hank Haney’s Golf Ranch. He was the head golf coach at SMU at the time.
What's your most memorable moment on the course?
This past September, I was filming The American Legends Classic at The Olde Farm in Abington, Virginia. My partner Braden and I shot the tournament, which raises money for underprivileged children who attend the Mountain Mission School in southwest Virginia. Nicklaus, Player, Trevino, Peyton Manning, Jerry West, Dan Marino and others played in the event. I never thought I would see how close I could get my drone to those players without disturbing their tee shot.
The event raised 56 MILLION dollars for the Mountain Mission kids, which set a record for a single day charitable donation at a PGA Tour-affiliated event.
What's your best score and where did you shoot it?
I shot an 82 at the Beaver Creek Golf Club during a round in Colorado with my Dad this past summer. I tripled the 18th ...
If you had to play one golf course every day for the rest of your life, which one would it be?
Hands down The Olde Farm. It’s the most pristine golf course I’ve ever stepped foot on, and I love that part of the country. They also mark the start of tournaments by shooting their cannon, which is awesome.
Bucket list golf course to play and shoot?
At the top of my list right now is a peak-color, fall shoot at the Diamond Creek Golf Club in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It’s a Tom Fazio design and is consistently rated as one of the best golf courses in my home state.
Who is your favorite photographer?
My favorite golf course photographer is my Australian friend Gary Lisbon. His work inspires me, and I appreciate his story as he quit his job as an accountant to pursue his passion in golf. I had the chance to meet Gary at the PGA Show in January, and he could not have been nicer. I hope to collaborate with him one day.
Favorite 19th hole meal?
In my opinion, there is no better option on a golf course than the chicken salad sandwich on lightly toasted sourdough. It’s refreshing on a hot day, and pairs nicely with an ice cold beer and a bag of Lay’s classic potato chips.
I consumed my top rated chicken salad sandwich of 2018 at the Tacoma Country Club.
Favorite golf movie?
Tin Cup, which is conveniently also my favorite RomCom.
Which golf courses are you most excited to shoot in 2019?
I am working with the Kinloch Golf Club outside of Richmond, Virginia and the Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach this May. Kinloch is a Lester George design and is undergoing a 90 day renovation by Lester and his team. I will shoot it again upon completion this fall. Bayville is a Tom Fazio course, and I am coordinating with their superintendent to ensure we shoot the course at its absolute best condition.
We are also partnered with The Dormie Network, and will be shooting their six courses this spring and summer - Victoria National, Ballyhack, Arbor Links, Briggs Ranch and Hidden Creek.
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Thanks so much to Ryan for taking the time to answer our questions. Make sure you give him a follow on Instagram at @MontyAerials and if you see a drone the next time you're out for a round, keep an eye out for Ryan!
Cheers,
Abby
Team Titleist Staff