ROSEMONT, Ill. - Three Fighting Illini men's golfers were recognized by the Big Ten Conference on Wednesday as sophomore Edoardo Lipparelli joins juniors Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer as 2016-17 Preseason Honorees. 

Lipparelli returns to Illinois after a freshman season that saw him compete in his first-ever NCAA Championship. He closed the year with five finishes among the top-25, and appeared in the team lineup consistently during the spring season. 

Hardy is returning to Champaign after a successful summer of competition. A 2016 All-Big Ten Second Team honoree, Hardy made his second appearance in the U.S. Open this past summer, and Illinois State Amateur Championship with a record score 28-under par. Hardy earned seven top-15 finishes last season and tied for 26th at the NCAA Championships. 

Also entering his junior season Meyer had a successful summer, winning the 2016 Western Amateur Championship. Last season, Meyer tied for 17th at the NCAA Championships, closing the year with 11 top-25 finishes. He shot under par in 15 rounds on the season, and is the returning stroke average leader from last season. 

The Illini open the 2016-17 slate on Sept. 10 at the Wolf Run Intercollegiate. Hosted by Indiana, the event will take place at Wolf Run Golf Club in Zionsville, Ind. Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest on Illinois Men's Golf.