Michael Thompson missed the cut in the Masters, but finished the U.S. Open tied for 29th place. (Gross/Getty Images)

Thompson finished as the low amateur at the U.S. Open Sunday with an 8-over 292 at Torrey Pines' South Course, tied for 29th. He finished with his best round of the tournament, a 1-over 72.

"I learned that I have a lot more composure than I thought I did," Thompson said. "I never gave up this week and I'm very proud of that. The last couple of days I've gotten off to some pretty bad starts and played 1-under there on in. I mean, that speaks more than if I would have finished second, you know, to me, I learn more from that."

Thompson was the runner-up at last year's U.S. Amateur, losing 2 and 1 to Colt Knost at the Olympic Club. Thompson also played in this year's Masters, although he missed the cut.

Thompson plans to play in the Travelers next week as an amateur, play in the Palmer Cup as an amateur in Scotland and then turn pro.

"I feel like I belong out here. This is fun," he said. "This is a great experience for me. I don't feel any different than the rest of the pros out here."

Thompson has gotten his golf career back on track after it was interrupted by Hurricane Katrina. Tulane disbanded its golf team after the storm devastated New Orleans and Thompson transferred to Alabama.