We continue our summer series this week and catch up with Brennan Little, a former men's golfer who played under legendary head coach Herb Wimberly from 1989-93. Since graduating from New Mexico State Little has continued to stay in the sport of golf throughout his career.
 
Little was a two-time letterman under Wimberley with a pair of top-10 finishes and six top-25 finishes during his time as an Aggie. His best finish came at the Coca Cola Classic, where he was a runner-up with a 212 card at the New Mexico State Golf Course. The St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, product wrapped up his collegiate career playing in 21 tournaments with a 76.38 stroke average.
 
After college, Little looked to get his PGA Tour card competing in Canadian Tour, Asian Tour and the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament or frequently referred to as "Q School." After five years, Little made the transition over to being a caddie. He first teamed up with Mike Weir in 1999 and won their first tournament together that year at the Air Canada Championship. Weir would win seven more tournaments during their 10-plus years together, including the 2003 Master's Tournament. 
 
Little was then on the bag for Sean O'Hair before joining forces with Camilo Villegas for nearly five seasons – including the 2014 Wyndham Championship. In the 2011 season, Villegas made a furious comeback late in the year and tallied three top-10 finishes in his last four events to get back on track in the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup.
 
He then joined Gary Woodland in 2016 and has since been on the bag for him. Woodland began gaining momentum on the tour in 2018, winning the Waste Management Phoenix Open before most recently claiming his first major championship with the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. However, for Little, it was the second time he was on the bag for a major championship.
 
Prior to being recruited by NM State, had you ever heard of Las Cruces or even New Mexico?
I don't believe that I ever knew that New Mexico was a state, I guarantee I had never heard of New Mexico State University. Growing up in a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada, most trips we went on were on the eastern parts or the country.
 
When did you know you wanted to go to New Mexico State?
I had a mentor of mine, Ben Kern who was an All-American at New Mexico State. He was the one who helped me get into NM State. It was my junior year when I went down for a visit and saw how great the place was.
 
Who was the first teammate who really pulled you under their wing in your first season as an Aggie?
Martin Chuck was a sophomore my freshman year. He really showed me the way and took care of me my first semester there.
 
What did it feel like competing for the first time as a student-athlete at NM State?
I honestly can't remember the first time competing as an athlete at New Mexico State. I do remember some of the great trips we had to California. I always thought it was special to play at our home course every time for the Coca-Cola Classic.
 
Did you ever get on a coach's bad side? If yes, what did you do?
I don't think Coach Wimberly ever put anyone on his bad side. He was one of the most positive people that I have ever met. If things were not going as planned he would always encourage the team rather than give us a kick in the butt.
 
Do you remember who your closest friend on the team was? Do you still keep in touch with them today?
Martin Chuck was my closest friend and yes still keep in close contact. I will say we had a really tight group of friends while at school and still keep in touch with several team mates.
 
What is your fondest memory from your career here at New Mexico State?
My experience at New Mexico State was amazing. I had no idea what it was going to be like when I enrolled, but can't say enough good things about the school, town and the people. Coach Wimberly is an amazing man!
 
Do parallels exists between your time as a student-athlete here and now in your current role?
I believe there are some parallels that exist between my time at New Mexico State and now caddying on the PGA Tour. I learned a lot about competitive golf and the game itself. That has been a huge advantage to me as a caddie. Playing the schedule we had at school gave me the structure and discipline to understand what it takes to be a successful professional golfer. I was unable to make it myself but definitely helped me in my career.
 
What advice would you give student-athletes now making the transition into the work force?
I always believe that regardless of how good you are in athletics you always need to consider what you are going to do after athletics ends. I don't care if you play pro sports for years, there will always be a time when it ends and you need to move on. Follow your dreams and try as hard as you can to be a pro athlete, if not you always have something to fall back on.