Newly hired Sacramento State golf coach David Sutherland knows what it takes to compete at a high level. As a former college player and professional golfer on the PGA Tour, Sutherland spent many years playing with some of the best players in the world.

“I come from a very competitive background,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland’s background is a huge reason why he was chosen as golf director and coach for the men’s and women’s golf teams, who both come off very successful seasons under former coach Adam Pohll.

Pohll, a Sac State alumnus who got along well with the players, left the program to accept the head coaching position with the women’s golf team at the University of Nevada. Pohll served as coach for both the men’s and women’s golf teams for three years at Sac State and is remembered well by players.

“I feel like Coach Pohll did an excellent job,” junior Scott DeBorba said.

DeBorba played for Pohll during his first year at Sac State and credits Pohll with helping him adjust to the new surroundings.

“I don’t think I could have done it without him,” DeBorba said.

“Adam was a good guy and had a real passion for the program,” junior Cody Miller said.

Both teams won their conference championships in Pohll’s last year and many golfers from those teams return this year to try to expand upon that success.

“Adam left (the golf program) in excellent shape,” Sac State Athletic Director Terry Wanless said. “He did an excellent job in building a foundation that (Sutherland) was fortunate enough to inherit.”

Sutherland said that he doesn’t “mind asking how Adam did things” when it comes to the way the program is run and simply wants the players to be comfortable. “I would like to have as much continuity as I could,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland, who is a Sacramento native, has abundant golf experience, having played competitively for more than 20 years. He began his career at Fresno State where he was a walk-on to the golf team.

“He wasn’t a golden boy when he went to college,” Wanless said. “He understands how hard you have to work to be successful in the game of golf.”

Sutherland became a successful collegiate golfer and was named an All-American in 1987 and 1989. He shared three years of his Fresno State career with his brother Kevin, who played on the team as well. Although they didn’t have a competitive relationship, Sutherland said he believes their time playing together helped advance his game.

“It really helps to be playing every day with someone who is a good player,” Sutherland said. “It really makes a big difference.”

Sutherland turned pro in 1989 and played on both the Nationwide and PGA Tours during his 17-year career. His brother Kevin also joined the PGA Tour and still plays for the circuit today.

Although he was a successful tour player, Sutherland suffered a couple of major injuries in his career. He has had both shoulder and wrist surgery in the past five years. Although he admits “it was a drag” to suffer the injuries, they are not the reason he left the professional ranks.

“I could still play in the Nationwide tour this year if I wanted to,” Sutherland said. “This is a lot more fun for me.”

Wanless said it was Sutherland’s copious professional experience that made him the best choice to succeed Pohll as director and coach.

“If you look around the area, even in California, I don’t believe there is another coach who has the professional experience David has,” Wanless said.

Wanless also said he believes Sutherland’s time in the PGA will be a boom to the program and that the new coach will be instrument in its success.

“I have a vision for this program that goes beyond just winning conference championships,” Wanless said. “Having (Sutherland) is part of that vision because of his skill, reputation and experience.”

Although Sutherland has only been with the program for a few weeks, DeBorba said that “there probably couldn’t have been a better fit for a college golf team coach” than Sutherland.

The new coach has also begun to instill a sense of confidence in his players that they can compete at the highest levels.

“He’s told us the PGA Tour pros are not that much better than a good college golfer,” DeBorba said, who has professional aspirations. “That made it seem like it’s a possibility (for me).”

“He’s been there and knows the level of focus required to be on tour,” Miller said. “His experience is what helps us out the most.”

Sutherland said he believes a college coach is essential in the future successes of his or her players, and a good coach will be a part of a player’s life forever.

“Coaching doesn’t just end when they graduate,” Sutherland said. “Obviously you have a different relationship; you won’t be a coach, but you can be a mentor or a close friend.”

Sutherland cites his own relationship with Fresno State golf coach Mike Watney, whom Sutherland said he stays in contact with to this day.

Both the men and women’s golf teams face high expectations this year after strong campaigns last season, and Sutherland does not plan on there being any drop-off. He has tried to implement a winning mentality in both teams so that success is not only achieved, but expected as well. Both teams have set their sights on the NCAA National Tournament, a step further than either team advanced last year.

“We have to be comfortable with the idea that we can be a very good team,” Sutherland said. “So that these expectations are a more natural feeling as opposed to, ‘Oh, we hope we make it (to the national tournament).’ You have to get to the point where you’re just assuming you will.”

Wanless said he shares in Sutherland’s confidence and believes the goal of reaching the NCAA National Tournament is “absolutely attainable.”

“I think we’ll be able to take our program to an even more successful level,” Wanless said.

Fernando Gallo can be reached at [email protected].