This might be the first time since he first picked up a club that Dylan Meyer hasn’t been playing as much as golf as he would prefer.
The Evansville native quickly became one of the bright young stars in the game over the past few years. After a decorated career at the University of Illinois, Meyer turned professional in the summer of 2018.
It took off quickly with a six-figure payday at the U.S. Open following a Top 20 finish. Next came a Callaway sponsorship and several other successful tournaments. The future looked bright — and still does.
His first full year as a professional in 2019 was up and down, but Meyer was gearing up for a strong return this spring and summer. He finished tied for seventh in Mackenzie Tour Q School (PGA Tour Canada) to earn status there. But everything is on hold due to COVID-19.
Editor’s note: The following has been edited for clarity.
Since everything went down with stay at home orders, what have you been up to and where are you calling home base?
I had been in Florida since the beginning of December practicing and getting ready for the season that was upcoming. But with COVID-19, that has taken a back seat until we get an announcement of when we start again. I am back in Evansville now and that is where my home base has been since I turned professional.
When was the last time you played a professional round?
The last tournament round that I played in was Mackenzie Tour Q-School (in March).
Following Q-School, you earned status in Canada for the first six events. What was the plan for this spring? Any other look at golf stateside?
The plan for the spring was to play in a few Monday qualifiers for the Korn Ferry Tour until the season started in Canada at the end of May. Since everything has happened, all of that has changed. I may be able to do a few Monday qualifiers leading up to the Canada season, but I am just wanting to get the chance to play at this point in time.
You graduated from Illinois in 2018 following a very successful career (2017 Big Ten Player of the Year). You’re still a big Illini guy. What did you learn the most from your time on campus/the program and what do you miss the most?
I love Illinois and always will that’s for sure. What I learned the most from Coach (Mike) Small was how to approach the game as a professional. I grew as a person on and off the golf course which was a major impact on my life moving forward. I appreciate coach Small and everything he has done for me. I miss going out and competing each week with the guys and playing for the school I love.
What would be your dream golf foursome to play with and what course?
Steve Stricker, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. I would love to play at Augusta National with them.
I have not picked up any new skills, but I have been fishing a lot while I was down in West Palm Beach. I have had quite a bit of time to catch up on a bunch of movies and shows on all platforms. I have been really investing my time into “The Last Dance” every Sunday night.
The PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour have released a return schedule starting in June. Do you know when it will pick back up for you? What are you able to do now to stay sharp?
We have not received any updates on when the Canada season is going to start back up. Based on the timeline of everything I am hoping it is by the end of July since there are still four qualifying sites to be completed for this 2020 season. I have taken this time off to really take care of my body and get my mind in the right place entering the season. I will start practicing about a month or so before the season starts.
Kyle Sokeland is a sports reporter for the Evansville Courier & Press, part of the USA Today Network. Follow him on Twitter @kylesokeland.