Note: This is the seventh 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, Luke Guthrie, and D.A. Points.
The Campbell File:
Brian Campbell was a key factor in the success of Illini men's golf history from 2011-12 through 2014-15, as the native of Irvine, Calif., helped lead Illinois to three Big Ten Championships (2012, 2014, and 2015) and an NCAA runner-up finish in 2013.
Campbell finished his Illini career with four collegiate tournament victories, including a pair of medalist performances at the 2014 NCAA Sugar Grove Regional and the 2015 NCAA Noblesville Regionals.
He owns the program's low 54-hole tournament record after carding a 197 at The McDonald Cup in October 2013. Later that season, Campbell tied the program record for a single round with a 63 to set a course record at the NCAA Championship at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchison, Kan.
That record-setting performance in Kansas not only helped the Illini advance to the match play, but earned Campbell the first of back-to-back All-America honors (2014 and 2015). In addition to his two All-America nods, Campbell was also a three-time all-region selection (2013, 2014, and 2015) and earned 2014 Big Ten Golfer of the Year accolades.
Campbell 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?
Honestly, for me it was a shot in the dark coming from California. But the main factors were Coach Small, the facility, and the ability to play freshman year. U of I was also excellent academically so it wasn't such a difficult choice.
What is your fondest memory from your time at Illinois?
My fondest memories were all the hours of practice with the team inside the indoor facility, and getting second place at the 2013 NCAA Championship.
How do you feel the Illinois golf program prepared you for life after college both on and off the golf course?
It was perfect; the competitive nature and culture around the program sets you up to successfully handle adversity in the real world.
What is one piece of advice you would give a current team member?
Trust in yourself.
What advice would you give a junior golfer who wants to play in college?
Learn to get up and down from anywhere.
What would you say to someone who says "the weather" is too harsh in winter to improve at Illinois?
I would say that Illinois facilities take care of that issue, and taking time away from golf in the winter is a good thing.
How would you describe Head Coach Mike Small in one sentence?
No fear.
How big of a factor was Coach Small in your decision to attend Illinois?
Eighty percent.
Can you talk about the transition from college golf to professional golf?
Professional golf is playing a lot more golf, so I would advise getting enough rest and managing your time well.
What do you need to do to take your game to the next level?
At the moment it's exactly where I want it to be. I just need to heal my leg and go win!
How similar is your practice now compared to the way you practiced when you were here at Illinois?
Very different because the facilities have changed, But I always use the short game tools we used back in college.
What are your greatest strengths?
Confidence, short game, putting, and accuracy.
What are your goals for 2020?
Win!
