A Q&A With SwingThought.com Tour Member Gator Todd
The Golf Coaches Association of America, in cooperation with its long-time corporate partner, the SwingThought.com Tour, will feature a monthly Q&A with former collegians who are currently playing or have played on the SwingThought.com Tour. Long considered the premier developmental tour in the United States, thousands of former college players have started their professional careers there. More than 250 SwingThought.com Tour alumni have or continue to play on the PGA TOUR.
This month we spoke with former Alabama and All-SEC golfer Gator Todd, a member of the 2008 Alabama SEC Championship Team.
Q: At what age did you start playing golf?
I started playing golf at age 14.
Q: What is your most memorable golf moment from your time at Alabama?
Winning the 2008 SEC Team Championship.
Q: What was the favorite course you had the chance to play while in college?
(Alabama) Coach Seawell's father, Jackie Seawell, was the Pro at Sage Valley while we were in College. We had the opportunity to play there one year.
Q: Did you notice any differences in the way you approached playing in a college tournament and that approach now on a professional tour?
Just being on my own schedule and doing the things day in and day out that are going to be best for my development.
Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you offer current collegiate golfers hoping to have professional careers?
Work really hard and accept everything that happens because it's all part of the journey.
Q: What would be your dream foursome?
Tom Watson, Paul Azinger...and Patton Kizzire and I would press.
Q: What are some of your fondest memories while being on the SwingThought.com Tour?
Being in contention, that's what we practice for.
Q: What is the best piece of golf advice you have been given?
"Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are usually right."
Q: Do you have any shot or tournament rituals or superstitions?
I usually eat a PB&J at the turn.
Q: Several alumni of the SwingThought.com Tour have gone on the great success on both the PGA and European Tours. What about the tour prepares golfers for continued success as they progress through their careers?
Well you have week long tournaments playing against great competition, including Wednesday pro ams. Swingthought does a great job mirroring the next level.