|
|
|
Freshman
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/19/2009 7:39:49 AM
Posts: 37,
Visits: 80
|
|
MACOMB -
Western Illinois golfer Kyle Peterman's only experience playing against the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson has been through a video game console.
He's about to get a taste of the real thing.
Peterman won a two-hole playoff in the Grayslake sectional qualifier Tuesday morning to earn a spot in the U.S. Open June 15-21 at the Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, N.Y.
"It's unbelievable," said the Fighting Leatherneck fresh off his junior season. "I've been to a couple of sectionals now. I knew that if I went out there and played my game, I'd be able to compete. It's just an indescribable feeling."
Peterman shot a 70-72-142 to finish the tournament in a three-way tie with 2009 Big Ten individual champion Eric Chun and former University of Illinois All-American Patrick Nagle. Peterman, the 2008 Summit League individual champion, said a few missteps by Chun and Nagle opened the door for him. Nagle shot a tournament-low 67 in the opening round only to follow it up with a 75 in round two while Chun bogeyed his very last hole of the tournament to force the playoff.
The players each shot par on the first playoff hole before Peterman hit his tee shot six feet from the hole on the second playoff hole. Chun and Nagle both missed the green on their tee shots and eventually shot pars on the hole. Peterman knocked in the birdie putt to win the tournament and a earn a spot playing against Woods and Mickelson - for real this time.
"I had played against tough competition like this before, but I don't think I've come out on top," Peterman said of the sectional. "I can't say enough about the family support I've had out here. I had my dad on the bag. My mom and sister (Western Illinois golfer Tara Peterman) were here. I had a few uncles. I've had so much support here and at home."
Peterman said the win ranks up with his 2008 Summit League individual championship when he also led the Leathernecks to the team title.
"That is what I came to Western to do was to win a conference championship," Peterman said. "This is right up there with it. It's unbelievable to qualify for the U.S. Open at (age) 21. It definitely doesn't happen every day."
Heading in to the U.S. Open, Peterman said he is just hoping to go out and soak up the experience.
"Honestly, I have no expectations. I'm just going to go out there and enjoy it," Peterman said.
And while he isn't holding his breath, he is hoping to draw a big name to be paired with.
"Obviously you want to go for the top guy - Tiger," Peterman said. "But all of those guys are amazing. It will be an honor to play with any of them."
The 156-man field will have 14 amateurs, the most for the U.S. Open this decade.
The field now has 155 players. One spot has been set aside in case someone wins the St. Jude Classic for his second PGA Tour victory in the last year. Otherwise, the last spot will go to the first alternate.
The USGA has not decided who that alternate will be.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/30/2010 6:57:14 PM
Posts: 125,
Visits: 688
|
|
That is honestly an amazing accomplishment. I've played golf since I was 12 years old (almost 18 years total now), played the Mussatto course countless times, and have seen the WIU men's team completely transform. For any avid golfers out there, the addition of the back nine has made Western's course a serious hidden gem in the midwest, not to mention a top tier recruiting tool.
The best of luck to Kyle. I am a huge Mickelson fan, but this year I'll have two guys to pull for.
|
|
|
|