By Teddy Greenstein
Chicago Breaking News
Wilmette native Eric Meierdierks hasn’t had much success on the mini-tours. That history makes his victory in the Illinois Open that much sweeter.
“This is the most important victory I’ve ever had,” said Meierdierks, a 25-year-old New Trier alum. “To win your state open is a big deal.”
Meierdierks finished the three-round event at 6-under par, earning a one-shot victory Thursday over Luke Guthrie, a rising junior at Illinois, and Illini golf coach Mike Small, who tied for third.
Meierdierks shot 65-68-68 and played a solid final round, making two birdies and one bogey. Hawthorn Woods played as a par-69 because of weekend flooding that prompted tournament officials to turn the par-5 17th into a par-3.
Guthrie played the final 10 holes in 4-over par and shot a 1-over 70 after starting 66-66. Small, vying to become just the second player to win five Illinois Opens, settled for rounds of 70-67-68. He made five final-round birdies – and four bogeys.
Missing the 36-hole cut were two notables from the media world: WGN sportscaster Dan Roan (81-78) and WMVP-AM radio host Tom Waddle (86-86).
