Randall Vautravers transitions back to golf

"He understands it's a lot of work, especially when you aren't playing very much," he said. "It's an every day thing; you are there all day going to classes, workouts, film."

"Marshall just wanted to make sure I was happy with my decision and I am."

It was hard for Vautravers to walk away from one love for another, but he has no regrets about skipping golf for basketball.

"It was a great experience," he said. "I got two rings - one for winning the MVC and the other for winning the NIT - and we went to the NCAA tournament. I'm really thankful that I did it."

So now it's back to the grind of playing golf for real. He was dissapointed with an 82 after his first round at the Kansas State Amateur but this is the first step back.

"Golf is the hardest sport I've ever played and it's really hard getting it back to the way I was in high school. It's going to take a few more months for me to get back into shape."

His plan is to head west and play for a junior college program and then try for a Division 1 school. And whereever he goes, he'll be bringing whatever wisdom Marshall laid on him at Koch Arena.

"You've got to be focused at all times playing college basketball," he said. "For me, I've always tried to be one step ahead on the court and it's the same thing with golf. You have to keep your misses out of a certain area to keep from making huge numbers."

Vautravers is confident he'll get back to his prep prowess but it will take some time. Hopefully, not too much time.