Lansing Sun

When the 2023-24 school year began, Michigan State junior golfer Ashton McCulloch was recognized at a Spartans football game for his victory at the Canadian Amateur in August. He maintained his strong performance throughout the college season, ultimately setting a new MSU single-season record for scoring average.

McCulloch, who was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team, emerged as the top finisher for his team in nine events, including the final six of the season. He achieved a 70.89 scoring average over 36 rounds, surpassing the previous record of 71.33 set by James Piot in 2021.

His achievements this year also elevated him to first place among career leaders for scoring average at Michigan State. McCulloch now holds an all-time best of 71.74 (for a minimum of 50 rounds played), beating Piot's mark of 71.99 from his tenure between 2017 and 2022.

MSU Head Coach Casey Lubahn praised McCulloch's contributions: "What Ashton has done for this team and our program has been incredible," Lubahn said. "We've been very fortunate over the years to have some really talented golfers and Ashton stands among the greats."

In three years with Michigan State, McCulloch has achieved three seasons ranking among all-time single-season records. His current year's average of 70.89 ranks No. 1, while his freshman year average of 71.89 is No. 8, and his sophomore year average of 72.46 is No. 11.

Throughout this year's 13 events, McCulloch placed in the top five four times, top ten six times, and top twenty eight times while contributing to nearly every round toward the team total.

At the Johnnie-O at Sea Island event in March, McCulloch shared medalist honors by setting a program record with a second-round score of ten-under-par 62 and finishing with a twelve-under-par total of 204.

He led his team in seven out of eight spring events and tied for third place at the Big Ten Championships, securing a spot on the All-Tournament team.

During postseason play, he shared top honors with a tie for thirtieth place at the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional as he helped guide Michigan State to its seventh NCAA Regional appearance in eight years.