Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Woodland got serious about golf after getting roasted by Kirk Hinrich

Written by 
Published in Golf
Sunday, 16 June 2019 16:37

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – It’s no secret that basketball, not golf, was Gary Woodland’s first love.

Growing up in Kansas, Woodland was part of two high school state championship teams at Shawnee Heights High School. He ended up attending Washburn University on a basketball scholarship.

But things changed early in his freshman year, and he ended up switching his focus entirely to golf after trying to guard future NBA first-round draft pick, Kirk Hinrich, in his very first game.

“The moment really got forced on me. ... I always believed if basketball didn't work out I could fall back on golf," Woodland said. “Our first game we played Kansas at the University of Kansas. They were ranked No. 1 in Division I, and we were ranked No. 2 in Division II. And that decision got forced on me really quickly.


U.S. Open: Full-field scores | Full coverage

“I was guarding Kirk Hinrich, and, like, okay, I need to find something else, because this ain't gonna work. And that was my first game in college. I was a two-time state champion, all-state, blah, blah, blah, but that was a different level.”

While Hinrich went on to have a 13-year career in the NBA, Woodland transferred to Kansas his sophomore year to play for the golf team.

And now here he is, having dethroned back-to-back U.S. Open champ Brooks Koepka at Pebble Beach.

“I've just always believed in myself. No matter what I've done, from when I was a young kid, I always believed I would be successful," Woodland said. "I believed I would play professional sports. I always believed I would be in this moment. And the question about if I ever dreamed of making the putt on the last hole of a U.S. Open when I was a kid, no, I didn't. But I hit a lot of game-winning shots on the basketball court when I was a kid. And that's what I did. I've always believed in myself.”

Read 732 times

Soccer

Prince William: PL 3 p.m blackout is 'irritating'

Prince William: PL 3 p.m blackout is 'irritating'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsPrince William has said he finds the 3 p.m blackout rule "irritatin...

Bruno hits back at Ratcliffe's 'overpaid' comments

Bruno hits back at Ratcliffe's 'overpaid' comments

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBruno Fernandes has hit back at Sir Jim Ratcliffe's suggestion that...

Rashford, MLS in Tuchel's first England squad

Rashford, MLS in Tuchel's first England squad

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThomas Tuchel has handed Marcus Rashford a shock recall in his firs...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Injury-plagued Mavs lose Prosper for season

Injury-plagued Mavs lose Prosper for season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDALLAS -- Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper has undergone s...

Curry hits 4,000 3s: 'Beyond my wildest dreams'

Curry hits 4,000 3s: 'Beyond my wildest dreams'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- Stephen Curry lost the ball as he crossed the half...

Baseball

Red Sox's Giolito (hammy) to start season on IL

Red Sox's Giolito (hammy) to start season on IL

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBoston Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito will begin the season on...

Rays not moving forward with new stadium plans

Rays not moving forward with new stadium plans

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Tampa Bay Rays, citing hurricanes and costly delays, will not p...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated