Former Illini Dylan Meyer finishes 20th at U.S. Open Championship

Fresh out of college, former Illini golfer Dylan Meyer is already looking at his first big payday.

In a highly criticized U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills in New York that included Phil Mickelson playing mini golf on one hole by tapping his still-moving ball, Meyer played well enough to finish in 20th place.

Brooks Koepka won the tournament for the second straight year.

Like most players, Meyer got off to a rough start on Thursday, shooting 77 (+7). He recovered on Friday with a 69 (-1), making the cut to the weekend. Meyer shot a 71 (+1) on Saturday before finishing the tournament with a 74 (+4) on Sunday.

The top 10 in this year’s U.S. Open automatically qualify for next year’s tournament, taking place at Pebble Beach.

Meyer made his first PGA appearance last summer at the John Deere Classic and finished tied for 63rd at the Web.com Tour’s Lincoln Land Charity Championship. As a senior, Meyer tied for sixth the East Lake Cup, won the 3M August Invitational, was a two-time Big Ten Golfer of the Week, and finished in a tie for fourth at the NCAA Championships — the fourth-highest finish for an Illini in program history.

Entering the week, Meyer felt confident he would make the cut, telling WEHT’s Patrick Moore.

Illinois has a long list of successful professional golfers. You’re next, Dylan.