Continuing our 'Once a Leatherneck, Always a Leatherneck' series, WIU men's golf alum Tim Streng enters the mix. The 2007 graduate enjoyed a standout college career that began the moment he stepped onto the Mussatto course. In each of his four years, Tim earned all-conference selections in the formerly titled Mid-Continent Conference, which is now known as The Summit League. His senior year saw him take home the conference's player of the year honor.

Following his WIU tenure, Tim continues to hone his skills by participating in mini-tours. He's also competed in the PGA Tour qualifying school and has stood out in several major Illinois events. Concerning the latter, him being crowned the 2015 Illinois PGA Assistant's Champion is a prime example. Tim officially became a PGA of America member a few years ago.

Career-wise, it wasn't long before the Arlington Heights, Il., native stepped into the coaching field. Since 2014, Tim has worked as the lead instructor for Wildcat Golf Academy (WGA), located on the grounds of Northwestern University (Chicago, Illinois). Additionally, he contributes as a volunteer coach for Northwestern's men's golf program.

Long hours of teaching (and often still playing) the sport consumes the majority of Tim's days. Nevertheless, we caught him off the range for a bit and constructed a Q&A session regarding both the past and present.

• What attracted you to attend WIU, years ago?

"So, firstly, there was some family background since both of my parents attended the university. I peaked pretty late in high school as a player and wasn't recruited by many programs. A good friend of mine was already on the WIU men's team and set up a meeting between myself and (former head coach) Mel Blasi. During a visit, I immediately enjoyed everything about the campus and knew it would give me a chance to live out my dream of playing D1 golf."

• Was the immediate success as a college golfer something that surprised even yourself?

"Well, I have always held pretty high expectations for my game and felt comfortable in Macomb. As a team, we would do a yearly 10-round qualifier once everybody arrived on campus. That typically ended up setting our 'starting five' in stone. Fortunately, I played solidly during my first year to land a spot in the lineup. That gave me confidence early on when I began competing and traveling with the team. From there, I made it a goal to keep working in perfecting my craft each year."

• Are there any memories being a part of the WIU golf program that stands out?

"Winning conference championships in three of my four years was special. During my junior year, we also qualified for postseason play in the NCAA regionals. Those times were enjoyable - getting to that bigger stage with tough opponents. I really enjoyed the team aspect of it all. We had a personable group that all got along and frequently hung out together. Individually, I'd say my biggest memory was qualifying for the NCAA national title as a senior."

• Was there a specific lesson learned during your college career that you could apply to your game, post-graduation?

"Being a piece of the WIU program showed me the importance of not only working hard but also working smart. My biggest takeaway was that all successful players must be conscientious in their own way. I had college teammates who didn't waste any time in practice. Coach Blasi would give us a schedule and then essentially left it up to us in how we would make the most of our time. Having those traits of putting in necessary time towards your craft is what has stuck with me ever since the days on campus."

• When was the moment you knew you wanted to begin coaching?

"It traces back to 2010. I was residing in Florida and had just finished competing in the qualifying school. A pro at the local Old Marsh Golf Club was my instructor and mentor at the time. He offered me a staff role to work as an assistant golf professional. That was my entryway into the club pro business. Honestly, with my passion for golf, I knew if I wasn't playing for a living that I'd want to be in the business side of some sort. At the end of the day, I began to realize teaching young athletes would suit me best."

• How did you end up at WGA and Northwestern?

"Pat Goss, a co-owner of the Academy, is actually my old childhood coach and current boss. I had the opportunity to come back to Illinois by accepting an instructor position at WGA back in spring 2014. It's been awesome and something I'd love to do for the rest of my life. Coach Goss also works as the Director of Golf for Northwestern, overseeing both the men and women's teams. Because WGA and the school's program share facilities, Coach Goss asked me if I'd be interested in volunteering as a coach for the men's group. It was an honor to take, and I feel my teaching knowledge has evolved over the years. Coach Goss and his assistants have relied on me a bit more with helping the players in their technical swing work."

• Do you model your teaching approach off of any tactics you witnessed at WIU?

"Something I've observed and realized since my college playing days is that, as a mentor, you can't just have a certain method - if that makes sense. Every athlete is built differently and has his or her own limitations. Golf instruction requires one to think on the fly. Things become more complicated when trying to teach the same thing to everybody. So, I've focused on avoiding a narrow outlook. Being well-versed with each client will benefit both the player and teacher."

• What is the biggest joy in working with younger golfers at WGA?

"The most rewarding times are witnessing the players who fight through adversity. Those who play can agree on how golf is a fairly difficult sport to master. I always love receiving messages from players when they shoot a personal-best or get a new best score. Seeing them achieve those types of goals always makes me feel good that I'm able to help in one way or another."

• Do you still find time to partake in various golf competitions?

"Yes, so basically, there is a schedule structured for the PGA professionals in the Illinois section. Full-time club pros, teachers, coaches - anybody affiliated with PGA of America is eligible to play in those tournaments. There's several one-day shootouts and I feel it's a pretty competitive section overall. I've also had the privilege to be in some 'major tournaments' over the few last years; ones that can potentially qualify you for the national level. Playing in a major championship is still a personal goal I'd love to reach one day hopefully."

• When not teaching or playing the sport, what can one find you doing?

"My wife will testify that I'm certainly a golf nut. Even when I get home from work, I usually end up turning on the golf channel, putting in the basement, or doing something golf-related. I enjoy spending time with family and friends though. Taking rest days isn't all that common in the golf world, so it's nice whenever down time becomes open."

• Lastly, what does it mean to be a Leatherneck?

"It's awesome! I need to get back on campus for another visit...it's been a couple of years since my last. Going back to the memories, they will remain forever and I've been blessed to stay in touch with most of my teammates. Reuniting with them at times for golf activities reminds me of the old times we all shared."