WNMU alum tied for 14h in Open
Hill hoping to finish in top 10 after 1-under 69 on Friday
Last week, Calum Hill was excited about getting to play in the 118th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, not just because it would be the biggest event he has ever played in.
He was eager to get to Southampton, N.Y., because he knew his game could make a difference against Shinnecock’s narrow fairways.
Hill, a former Western New Mexico University standout, is known for his accuracy. Hill showed his stuff the first two days of the U.S. Open, shooting a 5-over 75 and then a 1-under 69 to make the cut tied for 14th at 4 over.
Reached by phone after his round Friday, Hill expressed enthusiasm for closing out his second round with a birdie.
“I got the job done, so now it’s time to chill and have fun,” said Hill, who is WNMU’s all-time scoring leader and an ex-assistant coach. “I would love a top-10 finish. If I try my best, and wherever I end up it’s just going to be great now.”
Hill said he did not feel much pressure during the first two rounds at the Open.
“I was just having a good time,” he said. “I don’t get too nervous. I got some adrenaline. I don’t seem to get that nervous too much, that’s always a plus. ”
Hill held a lead briefly Thursday after his eagle on the par-5 No. 5 hole. He went lower Friday because he said it wasn’t as windy. He estimated 20-25 mph winds Thursday, and then down to 5 mph Friday.
The eagle stood out as a highlight Thursday. There were many more highlights to come Friday.
“I just hit a lot of good shots,” Hill said. “I didn’t miss many greens. It was great to make bogey when I could’ve went double a couple times. And, just being able to finish with the birdie. (No. 9 is) not easy. It’s a brute.”
The cut was plus-8, with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Jason Day among the notables missing the cut. Dustin Johnson, the world’s No. 1-ranked player, is the leader at 4 under (69-67).
“It is neat to see all the guys who have had trouble and to be able to put myself in position for a good finish is beyond something I could’ve hoped for,” Hill said. “This is a steppingstone in the right direction to get where I want to be as a golfer. Eventually I want to be on the European Tour or PGA Tour.”