Sterling McIlravy continues to chase dream as professional golfer

MARION – Sterling McIlravy recalled when his passion for golf developed.

He was 16 years old, fresh off his sophomore year at Solon and a newly licensed driver, which meant he had more freedom to go to the course to practice. More time resulted in a greater zeal for the sport.

After a college career that included stops at Kirkwood, Ball State and Mount Mercy, McIlravy’s license allows him to travel throughout the region, pursuing his dream as a professional golfer. He estimated he has driven 50 hours in the last three weeks, competing in Minnesota one week and Springfield, Mo., the next.

He embraces what some may consider a grind.

“I never think of it that way,” said McIlravy, who said his schedule would normally consist of 15 to 17 events in a four-month period. “I wake up every morning and love what I do. I’m always looking at how I can get better and improve.”

McIlravy enjoyed a shorter commute this week, playing in the Greater Cedar Rapids Open on Thursday and Friday at Hunters Ridge Golf Course. The third and final round is Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. McIlravy opened the tournament with a 3-under 69, but suffered some mid-round issues that left him at 1-over through two rounds.

“It was a struggle,” McIlravy said. “I had a five-hole stretch that I played 8-over par. Hung in there and played 3-under my last 11 holes. Just a bad stretch of holes in the middle.”

GCRO came with an additional luxury. McIlravy was surrounded by family for the first two rounds. His wife, Logan, was able to watch him play for half of the first round. His parents, Lincoln and Lisa, watched his second round in 97-degree heat. The trio have been supportive and a big reason he is able to pursue his golf dreams.

“Without that I wouldn’t be able to do it at all,” McIlravy said. “That’s been huge.”

His younger brother, Stetson, served as his caddie for the GCRO. He also toted the golf bag at the John Deere qualifiers. They have worked together in multiple competitions, specifically the closer tournaments.

Stetson actually provides a relaxing outlet from golf between shots.

“It’s someone I know, like and can trust,” McIlravy said. “That is a big difference. There is a lot outside of golf we can talk about, which helps.

“There is a flow state and you get in your shot, hit your shot and relax. You stay there the whole time. Having stuff to think and talk about that isn’t just golf allows more smoothness.”

His father was a four-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion wrestler at University of Iowa. Lincoln was also a bronze medalist at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Lincoln was a beloved wrestler but never forced the sport on their sons, allowing them to choose their own paths. Sterling chose golf and was asked by a GCRO worker about his basketball playing days for Solon.

As much of a mentor Lincoln has been for Sterling, his influence as a dad is the biggest. An example he is carrying out in his current life with his 9-month-old son, Atlas.

“He made a really great name for himself in wrestling,” McIlravy said of his dad. “To me, what he did in wrestling pales in comparison to how great of a dad he is. More so the example he set, being a godly father.

“He’s been a great example in sports, life, business and all that. Even more so as a dad and what it looks like to succeed in that because that’s the most important job I have.”

Fatherhood has been a fulfilling experience, according to McIlravy. He has become more efficient in his training. The goal is to maximize his time, put in the work needed to advance his career and get back to his family.

“It shows you what is important,” McIlravy said. “It didn’t change anything of how I view my golf career. It did change how I practice. I don’t waste time anymore. When I get there, I have a set list of things I’m going to do, I get it done and I get home and spend time with Logan and Atlas.”

McIlravy is still knocking off the rust of a layoff. He underwent an ankle surgery in November, keeping him from competition until spring. He returned for the U.S. Open qualifier this spring. McIlravy admitted that left him sore for a few days, so he took a little more than a month off. He played in the pre-qualifier and Monday qualifier for the John Deere Classic, nearly making the field at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.

“It’s been a fun road,” said McIlravy, who works with golf pro Bryan Haas at Lake House Sports in Coralville and Saddleback Golf Course in Solon. “I’ve learned a lot along the way.”

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One of the eye-opening lessons at the pro level is the number of players able to shoot well under par each round. The point was proven when Alex Schaake, a former Hawkeye who played in the 2023 U.S. Open, shot 9-under Thursday and Dawson Jones posted consecutive 7-under 65 scores to take the lead after Day 2. Scores uncommon at the college level.

“I’m learning that you have to re-adjust what a good round looks like,” McIlravy said. “In college, a good round is even par. If you shoot even par our here, you’re going to get lapped.

“The scoring and how important it is to be with your putter and wedges. Short game is great, and if you can hit it long and straight that’s a big advantage, too.”

McIlravy plans to compete in the Iowa Open Aug. 4-6 at Blue Top Ridge in Riverside.