Intercollegiate Athletics

Peterman takes positives from U.S. Open experience

Western Illinois golfer Kyle Peterman’s stay at the 2009 U.S. Open wasn’t as long as he had hoped, but it wasn’t short on positive experiences.Kyle Peterman photo

Peterman, who qualified for the Open as an amateur by winning a playoff at the Grayslake Sectional Qualifier, shot a two-round score of 156 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y., and missed the third round cut June 20.

Despite not playing as well as he hoped, Peterman said playing in the U.S. Open provided a great experience to a young golfer hoping to someday play at the next level.

“Obviously I would have liked to play better, but just being out here around all these guys, I think I know a little bit more about myself,” Peterman said. “I know I can maybe someday be out here and play with these guys. There is not much difference between how they play and how I play. It is just more of an experience thing. It’s just getting out there and being comfortable.”

Peterman’s U.S. Open experience started with practice rounds with several notable PGA Tour regulars.

“I played with David Toms, D.J. Trahan and Todd Hamilton one day and Brian Gay the next day,” Peterman said. “I just saw Tiger (Woods) in passing. I kind of said a few words to him and he said, ‘Hi,’ and, ‘What’s up?’ back to me in passing.”

During the practice rounds, Peterman said he really got a chance to pick the brains of some of the regular PGA Tour players.

Despite rubbing shoulders with the best golfers in the world, Peterman said he couldn’t afford to get star struck on the course.

“I was just trying to go out there and focus on one shot at a time,” Peterman said. “I definitely can take away from this that I know I am one of the best players now for college. Just knowing that is going to help me tournament by tournament to believe in myself and know that I am one of the guys to beat.”

Photo: WIU golfer Kyle Peterman, right, signs autographs along with 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton, left, during the 2009 U.S. Open.

 

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