April 20, 2005
By Jeff Schlabowske, Sports Information
A native of Millbrae, California, Garrett Chaussard is one of the most seasoned golfers in school history, having played in every tournament of his collegiate career, a streak of 48 consecutive events. Chaussard currently owns the third lowest career stroke average among all-time Illini (74.06). He played the best golf of his UI career this past fall when he was Illinois' top finisher in all five tournaments and recorded four Top-10 finishes. He led the Illini with a fall stroke average of 72.0 and was medalist at the Northern Intercollegiate, posting a winning score of 5-under par. Chaussard finished the fall ranked 38th nationally in the Golfweek/Sagarin ratings. The sharp shooter has continued his dominance into the spring season, leading the Illini in two of the team's four tournaments and recording two more top-10 finishes. Chaussard's fifth-place finish at the Boilermaker Invite on April 16-17 marks his sixth top-10 finish of the season and the fourth tournament where he has finished below par. Obviously, Chaussard can perform under pressure, sinking chips and thirty footers, but how can he handle the heat in this Q&A?
Q: Why did you choose to come to Illinois?
A: Simply because of the opportunity to get better and mostly because of Coach Small. He played on the PGA tour, so to be able to learn from someone as experienced as him is a big advantage.
Q: Why do you play golf?
A: I enjoy it so much. I've been playing since I was four and it's been enjoyable ever since. It's just fun to be outside.
Q: So you'd say it is the fun aspect of golf that makes you keep coming back?
A: Yeah.
Q: Who is the greatest golfer of all-time?
A: That is a tough one. The greatest golfer of all-time, right now I'll go with Jack Nicklaus.
Q: Who is the greatest athlete of all-time?
A: You know that is funny, we were just having this conversation the other day. Overall athlete in all aspects, Bo Jackson.
Q: Who is more dominant, Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam?
A: Anikka Sorenstam.
Q: Have you ever had a hole-in-one?
A: Yes, actually I've had three of them and a double eagle. I'm sorry, I kind of one-upped you one that one.
Q: What do you think of the new black golf ball form Nike?
A: It is pretty strange to look at. That's the thing, pink is kind of funny, black is a little strange.
Q: What is the best course you have ever played?
A: Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Q: How does Stone Creek Golf Club compare?
A: There is quite a big difference, but it is better than the Orange and Blue courses.
Q: What is your dream course and dream four-some?
A: I would play Cypress Point Golf Club, Pebble Beach, CA with my dad, Bobby Jones, and Jack Nicklaus.
Q: If you weren't a golfer you'd be playing...?
A: Baseball.
Q: I know you are from California but whom do you like between the Chicago Cubs and the White Sox?
A: I'd have to go with the Cubs between those two.
Q: What is your favorite golf movie?
A: Dead Solid Perfect [1988].
Q: What CD is in your CD player right now?
A: Cross Canadian Ragweed.
Q: Is there any pressure to succeed coming from the "athlete-factory" Junipero Serra H.S., which produced hall-of-fame caliber athletes Barry Bonds, Tom Brady, and Lynn Swann?
A: Not really, at this point anything else is a bonus. I don't think there is any pressure to follow those footsteps.
Q: What are your plans for next year?
A: Play professional golf.
