Background
Ellis was born in Kansas City, Missouri.
Ellis was born in Kansas City, Missouri.
He attended the University of Texas in Austin and was a member of the golf team from 1950–1952. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in zoology and turned professional in 1954.
His victory in San Diego was unique in that Ellis used what is commonly known as a "cross-handed" putting grip. That is, as a right-handed golfer he kept his left hand below his right. Ellis had four top-10 finishes in major championships: a T-9 at the 1956 United States. Open, a T-8 at the 1966 United States. Open, a 6th at the 1960 Professional Golf Association Championship and a T-5 at the 1961 Professional Golf Association Championship.
Ellis, like many pro golfers of his generation, earned his living primarily as a club pro.
Foreign many years he was the head pro at the Westchester Country Club in Rye, New York and lived in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. He died of kidney disease at the age of 52 at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Professional Golf Association Tour wins (3) Other wins (11) 1957 Metropolitan Open.