Kevin Tway Explains Why Oklahoma State Keeps Producing Elite Golfers

What makes Oklahoma State one of the nation's premier golf programs? Kevin Tway says it's the daily competition. The former Cowboy also shared why the culture in Stillwater prepared him for pro golf and provided an encouraging update on his comeback from a 14-month hip injury.

Oklahoma State has produced some of the biggest names in professional golf for decades.

From Rickie Fowler and Viktor Hovland to Alex Noren, Eugenio Chacarra and now Preston Stout, the Cowboys continue to send players to the highest levels of the game.

So what separates Oklahoma State from so many other programs?

I had a chance to ask former Cowboy and PGA Tour winner Kevin Tway that question this week at the Evans Scholars Invitational and his answer wasn't about facilities, recruiting or coaching accolades.

It was about competition.

Tway didn't hesitate when asked why Oklahoma State continues producing professional golfers.

"I think it's one of the best programs out there," Tway said.

He quickly explained that the real advantage comes from what happens every day in Stillwater.

"Probably the biggest thing is just playing with all the good players when you're there. Like, your best friends and having chipping and putting contests and stuff like that. It just gets everyone to get the best out of their game."

That answer says everything about Oklahoma State's culture.

The competition doesn't begin when tournaments start.

It happens every practice, every qualifying round and every short-game contest among teammates who are all pushing each other to improve.

That's the kind of environment that naturally prepares golfers for professional golf.

As Tway put it, the program "gets all your aspects to your game in check."

When you're challenged every single day by elite teammates, the transition to professional golf doesn't feel nearly as overwhelming.

Tway also had high praise for Oklahoma State's newest star, Preston Stout, who recently climbed to No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Although he hasn't had the opportunity to play alongside Stout yet, Tway likes what he's seen.

"I haven't played with him yet, but he hits it pretty hard. I've seen him hit a couple balls, and yeah, he's gonna come right out here and do good, I bet."

That's a pretty strong endorsement coming from someone who has won on the PGA Tour.

It also speaks to the confidence former Cowboys have in the program's ability to prepare players for the next level.

While reflecting on Oklahoma State's success, Tway also shared an update on his own career.

The former Cowboy revealed this week's tournament is only his second event back after missing 14 months with a hip injury.

"I'm just kind of taking it one day at a time right now," Tway said.

The recovery hasn't been easy.

"It was long, but it's going okay, so just day by day. Everything hurts a little bit, but I'm also getting older."

Despite the lengthy layoff, Tway believes his game is much closer than the results might indicate.

His biggest challenge isn't swinging the club.

It's rebuilding the endurance needed to compete week after week.

"I got a little tired last tournament, but my game's there," he said. "Just hopefully stay not tired."

His focus moving forward is simple: continue strengthening his hip and getting his legs back underneath him as he works his way back into tournament form.

Kevin Tway's explanation of Oklahoma State's success wasn't complicated.

It wasn't about one coach.

One facility.

Or one recruiting class.

It was about a culture where talented players compete against each other every single day until excellence becomes the standard.

That environment helped prepare Tway for a successful professional career, and he believes it's already preparing Preston Stout to follow the same path.

Great golf programs produce talented players.

The best ones create an environment where talented players make each other even better.