Illinois standouts make PGA Tour debut together at JDC – Quad City Times

SILVIS -- As Dylan Meyer walked off the 18th green at TPC Deere Run on Tuesday wrapping up his practice round for the John Deere Classic, he was greeted by several children seeking autographs.

Around the same time in the 18th skybox, Meyers University of Illinois teammate, Nick Hardy, was interacting with approximately 100 children as part of the First Tee Lunch & Learn program.

Not that long ago, Meyer and Hardy were those youngsters trying to snatch a signature or get a high-five from one of their golfing heroes.

I like growing the game and like kids in general, said Meyer, who also was involved in Tuesday afternoons Youth Clinic. Ive been in that position before, and it is still pretty fresh in my mind watching (Steve) Stricker come play in St. Louis when I was a kid.

I was in shock seeing him so I know how these kids feel. I want to give back as much as I can.

Meyer and Hardy are making their PGA Tour debuts this week in the Quad-Cities. Both received sponsor exemptions on the same day in late May from tournament director Clair Peterson.

They are in the midst of successful careers for the Fighting Illini. They have helped Illinois to three Big Ten Championships and NCAA regional titles along with three straight Final Four appearances.

The JDC routinely has given exemptions to Illinois players. Luke Guthrie, D.A. Points, Charlie Danielson and Scott Langley are among them.

What is unusual is having two from the same school and same class with still another year of college eligibility.

Doggone it, they both were so accomplished that it was hard to take one over the other, Peterson said. So around NCAAs, we decided weve got to take both of them and it is well-earned.

These arent just allocated spots to the University of Illinois. Theyve got to go out and earn them. These guys did that.

Meyer is the reigning Western Amateur champion. Hardy compiled nine top-10 finishes this past season and qualified for the U.S. Open in 2015 and 2016.

Theyre soaking up the experience together this week.

Meyer celebrated his 22nd birthday Monday. He and Hardy went out for dinner and a few drinks at Chiefs Bar & Grill in Silvis.

It is very special to be here with Dylan, Hardy said. Im excited to tee it up alongside him. It kind of gives you the feel that it is still a college event, and I like that a lot.

Meyer and Hardy are more than just teammates. Theyre friends and competitors with contrasting personalities.

When Meyer was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis an inflammation of the large intestine earlier this spring, he was hospitalized for three days. Hardy visited him every day.

Were very different, but I think thats why we get along so well, Hardy said. Either one of us would do anything for the other one.

They frequently exchange jabs, but Meyer said their personalities dont butt heads. Meyer, a political science and pre-law major, has aspirations of getting into politics at some point.

Hardy is a grinder on the golf course, often pounding balls for hours on the range. Meyer rarely spends more than two hours in a practice session.

Every time we go out there and play with each other, it is a competition, Hardy said. We love each other and want each other to do well, but we want to beat each other as well. That's what is fun.

Hardy and Meyer arrived at TPC Deere Run on Sunday to play a practice round. Theyre attempting to eliminate the outside distractions before Thursdays opening round.

This week is an important trial run for their careers. Both have aspirations of turning pro in another year.

Meyer tied for 63rd in a Web.com event in Springfield, Illinois, last month. Hardy has played just a few events since the NCAA championships the Palmer Cup, U.S. Open sectional qualifying and the Northeast Amateur.

If my bad golf shows up, is it still good enough to make a cut? Meyer said. This entire week is going to be a learning experience.

Weve played well in amateur golf, but were both eager to get a shot at putting our skills to the test against the guys that are the top of the top on the PGA (Tour).

Expect the children in the gallery to watch their every step. So will the Orange and Blue faithful.

Were hoping for a big Illini scene (Friday), Meyer said. We love giving everyone a show. To have two on the current team in the field is big for coach (Mike) Small and our program.

More here:
Illinois standouts make PGA Tour debut together at JDC - Quad City Times