New Game, New Thinking: Kevin Streelman profile

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Finding yourself leading after round one of the U.S. Open has a way of changing your life in the flash of a Nikon. Playing in the final group on the weekend with Tiger Woods has a way of transforming your mental game like you never thought possible. For rookie Kevin Streelman, both of these events -- and plenty of other less spectacular but no less important moments this season -- have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he belongs at this level.

What a difference 6 ½ years makes. As part of the New Game, New Thinking series, PGATOUR.COM freelancer Rudy Klancnik recently spoke with Streelman.

PGATOUR.COM: -- Your road to the PGA TOUR included several near-misses. How did you deal with that?

STREELMAN: It wasn't easy. Nothing's easy about playing in every tour in the country and burning through three new cars because of all the miles I put on them. Nothing's easy or fun about q-school. Especially when you have the runs I had early on. I missed by a shot my first year out, and that really inspired me to work hard to find that one extra shot. It only took me another six-plus years to finally get everything clicking.

PGATOUR.COM: You certainly have made a nice splash after the long wait to get here.

STREELMAN: I've had a very interesting season, that's for sure. Leading after the first round at the (U.S.) Open and playing with Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines (at the Buick Invitational) were highlights I'll never soon forget.

PGATOUR.COM: What did both of those experiences teach you about yourself and your game?

STREELMAN: The most important thing, really. It taught me that I belong out here. That's the most important thing for any rookie. You have to have the confidence that you can hit the shots and play the game with any TOUR pro, even Tiger Woods. Don't get me wrong, I'm not close to as good as Tiger. But when I played with him, I hit some shots inside of his and made some putts that he didn't. That stuff really makes a difference for your confidence. Leading at Torrey Pines after round one of the Open, well, that was unbelievable. I think I handled that situation the best I could, and I'll be ready for more like it should they happen.

PGATOUR.COM: Did playing alongside Tiger live up to your expectations?

STREELMAN: The really great thing about that was how gracious he was. Tiger could have the biggest ego of anyone on TOUR, but he doesn't. You can tell he was brought up the right way. He treats everyone with class, and I really took a lot away from our round together. Of course, he's also a pretty good golfer. He had a one-shot lead on me when we started, and he had a lot more shots on me by the end. But the experience was priceless.

PGATOUR.COM: Speaking of priceless, your bride of just a few weeks has been accompanying you this year. Did you tell her that the TOUR stop this week in Greensboro is your honeymoon destination?

STREELMAN: (Laughs) No, we haven't done the honeymoon yet. We got married around Memorial Day, and it's been a lot of golf ever since. Courtney's been great. She's a super smart girl. Heck, she was a 4.0 finance major at Arizona State. But we decided to travel together this year and see where it brought us. Even if I didn't have success, we wanted to enjoy the trip, and we have. She's the type who's capable of doing anything she wants. I'm glad she's been with me this year, but I know at some point we won't see as much of one another every week.

That's a tough part of this deal. Playing on the TOUR is wonderful, beyond all of expectations. But it's the lifestyle that does take a little toll. I can imagine that players with families whose wives and kids can't travel with them have it really rough. I hate missing birthday parties and graduations of my family members. Once I have kids, I know it'll be double tough.

PGATOUR.COM: You brag on your wife's GPA, but you must have cracked a book or two to get into Duke.

STREELMAN: Yeah, you've got to get the grades to get to Duke, so I was fortunate to make it to Durham. That was a great experience. I wasn't the best golfer on the team, but I learned a lot and watched a ton of basketball. Fun times for sure. In fact, Joe Oglivie is a former Duke guy who's been an invaluable help to me this year. It's really the little stuff that makes a huge difference when you're a rookie. I remember calling Joe when I first got out here to ask him how I get into the qualifying tournaments. He directed me to the phone number on PGATOUR.COM and helped me figure out the best way to get in. He's been great all year.

PGATOUR.COM: Your caddie Mike Christensen is another Blue Devil, right?

STREELMAN: Absolutely. In fact, this week before Greensboro, we're going over to Durham to check out their new facilities and see some folks. It'll be great being back on campus. Mike and I played at Duke together. He's a fine golfer, and he's been a perfect match for me as a caddie. I'm lucky to have him on my bag.

PGATOUR.COM: Based on what we've talked about, sounds like this year has exceeded your wildest dreams. Fair to say?

STREELMAN: And then some. But I've got lots of work to still do. I'm in the first stage of the FedExCup, but my goal coming into this season was to break into the top 70. Right now, I'm sitting at 114, so I've got to hustle to get there. It can be done.

PGATOUR.COM: When you're not consumed with your game or your new bride, what makes Kevin Streelman happy?

STREELMAN: I picked up the guitar in college and have loved it ever since. Me and some frat buddies even put together a band for a while. I used to take it with me on the road when I drove everywhere. Nowadays, I'm so worried about bringing too much baggage on the flights that it sits in the house. I need to get back to it soon. I'm a big classic rock guy -- Led Zepplin, Rolling Stones. I also like fishing. Either way, it's a way to get away from golf for a little bit. Those are welcome breaks in the action.

PGATOUR.COM: I guess other than winning a couple of tournaments down the stretch, the best way to cap off this season would be for your hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, to win a World Series.

STREELMAN: Man, I hope so. I just hope they don't blow it.

PGATOUR.COM: Spoken like a lifelong Cubs fan.