Sophomore Nick Hardy was one of three Illini golfers, former and current, to compete in this year's U.S. Open. He took the time to write down some of his thoughts on the experience.

Qualifying...
"When I first qualified I was really excited to have the opportunity to play in our national tournament. I was excited to compete against the best players in the world. As a competitor, you want to play against the best."

The practice round...
"When I arrived to the course (Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.) I wasn't hitting the ball very well. My coach and I worked on it and very quickly I started to hit the ball very well again. I was pleased with where my game was going into the tournament. I was also fortunate enough to play a practice round with Zach Johnson. He helped me map out the course and learn it with him, which was very cool."

The course...
"I loved the different style of golf that Chambers Bay was about. It didn't really favor anyone, but it definitely helped the longer hitter. I felt good about that and I knew if I hit the ball well off the tee it would set me up for good opportunities. The course played extremely firm and fast which I loved because it made you play creatively."

The opening round...
"I played well in the first round because I made a lot of stress free pars. I knew if I kept making easy pars it would lead to some birdies and better opportunities to make putts."

Making the cut...
"I knew I made the cut right after I finished, but I was disappointed with how I finished my second round. I bogeyed three of my last four holes to make the cut on the number. I felt fortunate to make the cut as I was struggling at the end of that round, and I was excited to play the weekend at a major championship."

The takeaways...
"I learned that keeping my patience is huge and it's exactly what a major championship calls for. After playing in my first, I believe I can win some of these one day. Now that I know what it takes, I can work towards what I need to be."

Keep checking in to FIGHTINGILLINI.com as Illinois Men's Golf continues playing in its summer tournaments.