Note: This is the sixth 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. Previous Pro Illini Q&As are available here: Scott Langley, Nick Hardy, Charlie Danielson, Dylan Meyer, and Luke Guthrie.
The Points File:
D.A. Points returned home to the University of Illinois to complete his collegiate playing career after two years at LSU, and has gone on to become one of the longest tenured Illini in the professional ranks since making the jump in1999.
Points, a native of Pekin, Ill., made the most of his time competing in the Orange and Blue, collecting back-to-back All-Big Ten awards in 1998 and 1999 and earning All-America accolades as a senior after a 12th-place finish at the 1999 NCAA Tournament.
Points won three collegiate tournaments, and finished his Illini career as the program's career leader in stroke average (72.57), breaking the record held by Steve Stricker. He still ranks No. 9 on that chart after holding the record for more than a decade.
Points 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 transferred to Illinois because it is an excellent university scholastically, and the golf program had a decent schedule. It was also two hours from home, and I could check on my family.
What is your fondest memory from your time at Illinois?
Traveling to tournaments with my teammate, and Time Warp Tuesday's at C.O. Daniels.
How do you feel the Illinois golf program prepared you for life after college both on and off the golf course?
The golf program helped me prepare by teaching me how to manage my time and practice. The time spent with donors was also invaluable. Being able to learn how to socialize with adults that help the program is a lot like life on tour with sponsors.
What is one piece of advice you would give a current team member?
Be kind and respectful to everyone. Be outgoing if you can. You never know when a relationship can help your career.
What advice would you give a junior golfer who wants to play in college?
Learn how to compete. Show poise and determination; all coaches want that. Play in as many tournaments as possible, especially the big ones.
What would you say to someone who says "the weather" is too harsh in winter to improve at Illinois?
Not all weather is perfect on the PGA and European Tours. Playing in bad weather will be an advantage going forward.
How would you describe Head Coach Mike Small in one sentence?
Coach Small is one of the most competitive people I have ever met.
Can you talk about the transition from college golf to professional golf?
The transition was exciting. I have wanted to play professional golf all my life. You have to be mature and responsible. It can be tough to stay on task and get better.
What do you need to do to take your game to the next level?
Drive it longer and straighter.
How similar is your practice now compared to the way you practiced when you were here at Illinois?
Now it is more structured around the things I need to improve on. I always practice chipping and putting.
What are your greatest strengths?
Strategy on the course and my competitiveness.
What are your goals for 2020?
Secure my PGA Tour card and win.
