Cedar Rapids’ Dylan Ellis made a boatload of birdies, eight to be exact, at Cedar Rapids Country Club during U.S. Open Local Qualifying—enough to withstand increasingly difficult conditions as winds picked up throughout the day.

“I got off to a great start on the back nine (to start),” Ellis said. “I made a 30-footer on No. 11 and was able to build some momentum early. I got to four-under through about 12 holes and was just playing really solid golf.”

As the round wore on, so did the challenge. Strong, steady winds—approaching 15-20 miles per hour—combined with firm, quick greens to test the field’s patience and shot-making.

“As the day went on, the wind really started to pick up,” Ellis said. “It made things a lot more challenging, especially with how firm the greens were and how tough some of the pin positions were. You knew you had to stay patient.”

Ellis said the conditions demanded a balanced mindset rather than perfection.

“You’re going to make some mistakes out there,” he said. “The key is not letting them turn into bigger problems. Just stay steady, take advantage of your chances, and keep moving forward.”

That approach paid off, as Ellis capitalized on scoring opportunities while limiting damage when conditions became most difficult.

“You just trust that if you keep giving yourself chances, you’ll make enough birdies,” he said. “I was able to do that and finish it off.”

Isaac Rumlar of Moline advanced for the second straight year at Cedar Rapids Country Club, while Grant Smith of West Des Moines matched Rumlar’s round of 71. Smith’s round included a pair of birdies and an eagle late in his round.

“I played really well coming in,” Smith said.

Earning the final qualifying spot into the U.S. Open Final Qualifier was Des Moines’ Micah Moyer, who secured his place with a birdie in a playoff against Jackson McCommon and Sam Johnson.

Complete results are available here.