Because of a long and consistent history of success, with no embarrassments or blemishes, Coach Small is much more able to stack talent than any other Illinois sports coach. Congrats to all on this commitment and welcome to C-U Mr. Barger
Could you imagine what the guy criticizing Underwood over his golfing comments in the other thread would think about this. I think he would have had a great chance of making more money playing golf than coaching. Seems like a great guy and the players all seem to really respect him.
He played professionally on a full time basis for a decade after graduation - mostly on the predecessor to the Korn Ferry tour. Was able to move up to the pga for a short period of time based on his performance there. Then......kids. With the combination of mediocre professional results (he lost his pga card), kids and then a job offer by the AD at his alma mater he left the tour and came to Illinois while continuing to play some professional events in the off season. It has worked well for him. His professional resume helps with recruiting and his coaching has probably benefited his own game. He made $372,000 coaching this year. At one time he was the highest paid college golf coach in the country (not sure if he still is). There have been more than $20M worth of golf facilities added during his tenure and he has been the driving force behind the fundraising for all of those.
I should have specified that he possibly could have made more over the last 5 years (senior tour) playing than coaching. He seems to have aged well and I think he could have made some money out there. Glad he’s stuck with coaching and he’s building quite a legacy indeed.
I heard him say in a recent interview that some of his options were lost this year because some professional event were moved up in the calendar and he was still coaching in the post season.
