Mike Small frequently shared his belief during Brian Campbell‘s college days that the California native would eventually become a PGA TOUR champion. Given that Campbell was the 2014 Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American, it wasn’t a particularly audacious forecast.
Fast forward a decade, and Small’s prediction has been validated.
Now 32, Campbell has clinched two PGA TOUR titles this season, both in playoff situations. His latest victory at last week’s John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois, led to an influx of messages for Small from those recalling his earlier predictions about the talented golfer. Small remarked on Campbell’s abilities, saying, “He could score even on off days. He always excelled with his wedges and putting. Though he needed to increase his distance, he’s shown that skill isn’t always about that.”
Campbell is among just six golfers this season to win more than once on the PGA TOUR—a list that includes Scottie Scheffler and Rory McElroy. His impressive season has been a significant highlight for Illini golf, where former golfers now account for 10% of PGA TOUR victories (3 out of 30) this season. Besides Campbell, who triumphed at the Mexico Open in February, his former teammate, Thomas Detry, also age 32, won his first PGA TOUR event at the Phoenix Open in February.
Additionally, Thomas Pieters is seeing considerable success in the LIV Golf League, Nick Hardy — who also secured a PGA TOUR victory in 2023 — remains active on the tour, Adrien Dumont de Chassart has recorded three top-10 finishes on the Korn Ferry Tour, and Luke Guthrie plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, having participated in two PGA TOUR events this season.
Small has amassed numerous accolades at the Demirjian Golf Facility, showcasing his accomplishments at his alma mater, but fostering successful professionals has been a key focus of his 20 years of work. “It brings me joy,” Small mentioned in an Illini Inquirer Podcast. “It affirms my decision to return, aiming to represent my school and help students achieve their aspirations.”
Small’s playing career at Illinois laid the groundwork for his professional pursuits, which included playing on the PGA TOUR—his dream when he joined Illinois. While he didn’t maintain a long-term career at that level, after being appointed to lead the Illini golf program in 2000, Small leveraged his experiences, both good and bad, to help his players maximize their potential. “Coaching college golf was new for me,” Small stated. “I had no prior experience, and Ron simply handed me the reins. But having played on TOUR, I learned from both failures and successes, info I can share with my players to help them avoid same mistakes.”
