Langley wins $324,800

Sun, 01/13/2013 - 11:33pm | Jim Rossow

Scott Langley’s bid for his first PGA Tour win will have to wait a week.

But he gained plenty of confidence and a hefty paycheck in finishing third at Sunday’s Sony Open in Honolulu.

“He did awesome. What a positive week,” UI men’s golf coach Mike Small said Sunday night after watching Langley close with back-to-back birdies to draw even with Charles Howell III. “I’m sure he would have loved to have won, but think about it: a month and a half ago he didn’t have a place to play, he didn’t have his (PGA Tour) card. Now he’s going to be playing in a lot of events.”

Tied for the lead entering the final round, Langley scuffled midway through the back nine (three bogeys in four holes) but finished strong for an even-par 70. The St. Louis lefty, who gained a spot on the PGA Tour at December’s Q School, finished 7 strokes behind the winner, fellow PGA rookie Russell Henley, and 17-under for the tournament. His reward: $324,800 and 163 FedEx Cup points.

“What I’m most proud about our kids is that they don’t show fear,” Small said. “Most kids see this mystical tour when they get out there — and they come out scared. These kids don’t and I’m proud of that mentality. It’s something we always talk about.”

Small and Langley, whose bag included a Chief logo, kept in touch throughout the week. The coach also followed along on Golf Channel.

“This is why I got into coaching,” Small said, “to see these kids achieve their dreams. It’s a lot of fun.”

Sections (3):Illini Sports, Golf, Sports

Categories (3):Illini Sports, Golf, Sports

Comments

News-Gazette.com embraces discussion of both community and world issues. We welcome you to contribute your ideas, opinions and comments, but we ask that you avoid personal attacks, vulgarity and hate speech. We reserve the right to remove any comment at our discretion, and we will block repeat offenders' accounts. To post comments, you must first be a registered user, and your username will appear with any comment you post. Happy posting.

ChiefForever wrote on January 14, 2013 at 1:01 am

Better to root for Langley than that traitor Stricker, who was wearing Wisconsin garb and rooting against the Illini at the basketball game.

1 illinifan wrote on January 14, 2013 at 8:01 am

I agree! Stricker apparently is wimpy and his wife must wear the pants, how sad. Cannot even stand up for his school! Langley will do much better on the tour over time anyway.

Very well done Langley, that attitude will take you far.

jjohnson wrote on January 14, 2013 at 11:01 am

The previous commentors obviously know nothing about Steve Stricker's loyalty to Illinois and would be wise to withdraw their comments. Steve annually appears at a golf outing in his name for the benefit of the U of I golf team, raising tens of thousands of dollars each year. He has come to home basketball and football games. He is not a traitor, those who so labeled him are the embarrassment.

drewdog wrote on January 14, 2013 at 12:01 pm

No one doubts that Steve is a great guy and a great golfer as well as a strong supporter of his alma mater. But you can't use the word "loyalty" and then cheer for the Badgers! It was embarrassing for Steve, confusing for the UI fan base and slap in the face to Small. A supporter yes; but loyal to UI. . .obviously that is in question!

illiniphil85 wrote on January 14, 2013 at 12:01 pm

I cut Stricker some slack in the name of domestic harmony. He's still a great representative of this university. Congrats to Scott Langley. Hope you have a monster year on tour.

Weather