Ryan Thomas Zug

Ryan Zug, 49, of Palm City, FL, formerly of Des Moines, passed away on October 3, 2025, following a brief illness.

Born June 5, 1976, to Thomas G. and Mary Ann (Bruch) Zug, Ryan grew up in the Waveland neighborhood of Des Moines. It would be more appropriate to say that he grew up on the Waveland Golf Course, as golf was always at the center of his life, personally and professionally. Whether he was playing with his dad, older brother, or friends, or working in the pro shop, Ryan likely spent more time at Waveland than he did in school. It was all worth it, however, as he won the 1999 Men’s City golf tournament on his home course, with his brother caddying by his side.

Following elementary and middle school at Hubbell and Merrill, respectively, Ryan left his brother’s shadow, and attended Dowling, despite living just blocks from Roosevelt, in order to participate on a state-ranked golf program. His success at Dowling led him to play collegiately at the University of Kansas as a Jayhawk, where he enjoyed five years of golf, friends, and some education on the side.

Following his college career, he entered the PGA apprentice program while serving as an Assistant Golf Professional at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence, KS. While at Alvamar, Ryan won the 2002 PGA Assistants’ Championship for the Midwest section, earning himself a spot in the TaylorMade National PGA Assistants’ Championship in Florida. A chance discussion with a clothing sales rep led him to a job in Florida and he never looked back.

Completing his apprenticeship at a couple of courses in the Palm Beach area, he became a head golf professional at Admiral’s Cove in Jupiter, FL, and served at courses from the Palm Beach area north to Vero Beach. Unlike many pros, who merely want to play, Ryan enjoyed the operational aspects of running the golf shop and hosting tournaments. Ryan was looking forward to supporting the opening of a new club when his illness took hold.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Mary Ann of Clive; brother and sister-in-law, Christopher and Mary (Swift) of Grinnell, with their three children, Meghan, Matthew, and Nathaniel; his beloved partner of 14 years, Carolyn King, her two sons, Christopher and Connor Fronrath, and her father, Bill King; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tom; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Hildegard Bruch; and paternal grandparents, John Zug and Joan Liffring Zug Bourret.

A “Time of Remembrance” will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Tee organization, University of Kansas Men’s Golf program, or Treasure Coast Hospice of Stuart, FL.

We are extremely grateful to the many golf pros who mentored Ryan and enabled him to develop his vision for a successful career in the golf industry.

The family also wants to gratefully recognize the efforts of Ryan’s partner, Carolyn, and the team at Treasure Coast Hospice for the care and love shown to Ryan throughout his palliative care.

Print