Note: This is the first in a series of Q&As with some of Illini men's golf's most accomplished alumni who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Stay tuned to FightingIllini.com for future installments in the series.

The Langley File:

During his time at Illinois from 2008-11, Scott Langley became one of the most accomplished golfers in Illini history. As a junior in 2010, he captured the program's first individual national championship, one of four collegiate tournament victories for the native of Barrington, Illinois.

Langley finished his career with three consecutive seasons as an All-Big Ten selection, an All-Region honoree, and an All-American. He was named the 2008 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and the 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year, while also earning three consecutive academic All-Big Ten awards from 2009-11, and GCAA All-America Scholar accolades in 2010 and 2011.

Langley, who was a 2018 inductee into the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame, recently took time out to reflect on his time at Illinois, and how the Illini golf program helped to prepare him for his professional career.

Q&A:

Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois?
I chose to come to Illinois because of Coach Small, our facilities, schedule, and proximity to my home.

What is your fondest memory from your time at Illinois?

My fondest memory from my time at Illinois was being alongside my teammates for so much of my journey. The team atmosphere truly defined my collegiate experience and some of my closest friends to this day were teammates in school.

How do you feel the Illinois golf program prepared you for life after college both on and off the golf course?
Coach Small really taught me how to play the game, how to manage my time, and how to properly prepare for tournament golf. All of those things have helped me transition into professional golf.

What is one piece of advice you would give a current team member?
Buy into Coach Small's philosophy, because he has been there (pro golf) and knows what it takes to be successful.

What advice would you give a junior golfer who wants to play in college?
Choose to attend a school with a strong academic standard. Choose a school where you can learn from a good coach. Choose a school with a great team dynamic.

What would you say to someone who says "the weather" is too harsh in winter to improve at Illinois?
The weather was one of the things that helped me improve the most. We were so tested by a variety of conditions that we really had to develop a toughness and a creativity level to produce all sorts of kinds of shots on the golf course. The weather definitely helped me in my development.

How would you describe Head Coach Mike Small in one sentence?
Coach Small really cares about his players, and will get the very best out of you.

How big of a factor was Coach Small in your decision to attend Illinois?
He was the biggest factor for me.

Can you talk about the transition from college golf to professional golf?
The transition to pro golf was an adjustment but I felt well prepared to tackle the preparation side of things, the time management, and the scoring demands of pro golf. Coach really helped me develop a strong short game which dramatically impacts my professional success.

What do you need to do to take your game to the next level?
I need to become a more consistent ball striker.

How similar is your practice now compared to the way you practiced when you were here at Illinois?
It's very similar, I still do a lot of drills that I learned while at Illinois.

What are your greatest strengths?
My greatest strengths are my short game, my determination, and my course management. Going to Illinois helped me develop all of these things immensely.

What are your goals for 2020?
Win an event and finish in the top 10 of the season-long Korn Ferry Tour points list.