Printable Version

Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Sunday, May 11, 2008

Q&A with Jeff Kaiser

BOB LAMB, La Crosse Tribune: You say you once weighed 300 pounds. You now weigh 175. Why the drastic weight loss?

JEFF KAISER, Wisconsin golfer: It was a combination of things. I wanted to change my swing. I wanted to be healthier. I wanted to look better. It was just a lot of things.

LAMB: Why did you choose the University of Wisconsin?

KAISER: I was in contact with six or seven different schools, but Wisconsin was the first to offer to me something. I also knew Coach (Jim) Schuman’s history as a player and teacher, and he is phenomenal at both. It was also his willingness to give players freedom to work on what they need. He also has no objections with me working with Tom (Gees) as well as him.

LAMB: What are your greatest strengths?

KAISER: My ball striking is pretty good. I’m long and straight. Mentally, I’m pretty good about getting around the golf course and making the right decisions. But I think my biggest asset is controlling my emotions on the golf course.

LAMB: What is your biggest weakness?

KAISER: I don’t make enough putts. I think of myself as a good putter, but I just don’t make enough.

LAMB: What are your best memories on and off the golf course?

KAISER: My best memory is winning our first two events as a freshman. Off the course, my best memory is the people I have met. It’s awesome.

LAMB: What’s your biggest disappointment

in golf?

KAISER: It was this year when I was struggling. I missed one event in four years of tournaments. At the same time, I didn’t feel I should play, but I wanted to help our team.

LAMB: What’s the best advice you can offer to a high school player considering golf in college?

KAISER: Learn how to chip and putt. Everybody in college hits the ball long and straight, but those who win, chip and putt so much better.

LAMB: In general, what advice would you give a junior golfer?

KAISER: Don’t let golf take over your life. It has to be fun. If you’re not excited to go out and practice and play, do something else.

LAMB: I understand you plan to turn pro after the NCAA tournament? Is that true?

KAISER: I’ll turn pro this summer and play a few events around the state. I’m not going to travel much because I have to finish school. I’ll just try to get some experience, stay competitive and have fun with the game. Then, after graduation next May, I’d like to give it a go. I’ll see where my game is at. I’m planning to give it a shot for a few years to see if I can make it or not. If I can’t, I’ll pursue other interests.

LAMB: If you don’t make the PGA Tour, then what?

KAISER: Then I’ll find something in the golf industry, maybe as a teacher or instructor of some sort, maybe have my own academy or work for an academy. I don’t want to be a head pro or assistant pro.