By Alex Riley
Special to SMUMustangs.com 
 
DALLAS – When the preseason PGA Tour University rankings came out on July 23, SMU senior Zachary Kingsland was understandably excited. 

Now in its sixth year, PGA Tour U ranks collegiate golfers in the upcoming senior class. At the end of the season, the top 25 earn opportunities at the professional level, like Korn Ferry Tour Membership, exemptions for PGA Tour events and even a PGA Tour membership to the golfer atop the final list. 

The preseason release had Kingsland at No. 9. Less than two months later, he was reminded it's not the start that matters. 
"I'm really just trying not to think about it as much as I possibly can. I think the more you kind of obsess over it and worry about where you're standing week to week, it does more harm than good," Kingsland stated with a laugh, noting that while some teams have teed off, SMU has yet to play a tournament. Because of that, he's already fallen three spots to No. 12. "Every week it's going to change. Being up there was cool but the preseason rank doesn't get you anything. It's where you finish at the end of the year. I've just got to keep remembering that."

It's that unwavering focus the Mustangs have called on from Kingsland and fellow PGA Tour U ranked golfer Will Sides over the last four seasons. Sides debuted at 15th in July's preseason poll and remained there after the first regular season list was released on September 10. 

Together, they are two of the veterans SMU will be counting on going into the fall season, which kickstarts on Monday at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup in Lake Bluff Ill.  

Last season, both golfers finished top 10 individually at the ACC Championship while helping the Mustangs earn a spot at the NCAA Regional in Auburn, Ala. 

Their return for a final season of collegiate competition has elevated already high expectations for the program. SMU features five seniors, three juniors and a trio of true freshmen, giving the team an experienced roster to rely on. The Golfweek Division I Coaches Preseason Poll placed the Mustangs just outside the top 25, with the 27th highest point total. The field at the Stephens Cup includes three teams in the top 25 and all six men's teams are receiving votes.
 
"I'm really excited about our group of guys this year. We got a lot of older veterans along and a couple of young guys. It's definitely a good mix," Sides said. "I'm kind of looking forward to seeing how we perform, but I think we're an underrated team with a lot of potential." 

While the entire team's performance will determine what the Mustangs can accomplish collectively, there will certainly be eyes on Kingsland and Sides as they aim to help the program succeed while also putting themselves in position for professional opportunities. 

And while personal accolades are certainly gratifying, the goal is to capture team success first. But with a little hard work, both are well within reach. 

"(PGA Tour U) is a great platform for seniors and guys who are graduating. It's something to shoot and aim for. I'm definitely looking forward to competing this year and moving up the rankings," Sides said. "But at the end of the day, it's all about just trying to get better at golf and whatever ends up happening happens. I'm just believing in my game and my team and that we can do it. We're just trying to take advantage of our opportunities."