Lansing Sun

Michigan State golfer Ashton McCulloch has secured a spot in the 2024 U.S. Open after an impressive performance at the Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada. Competing among 66 players for seven qualifying positions, McCulloch achieved an 8-under par 134 over two rounds.

McCulloch distinguished himself as the only amateur to qualify and will join professionals at the Pinehurst Course in North Carolina from June 13-16. His scores of 6-under par 65 and 2-under par 69 ensured his advancement.

This year, McCulloch was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and led Michigan State in nine events with a scoring average of 70.89 over 36 rounds. This achievement broke the previous record set by James Piot in 2021. Additionally, McCulloch now holds the all-time best career scoring average at Michigan State, surpassing Piot's mark.

During his three years at Michigan State, McCulloch's performance has been consistently strong. His averages rank him first for this season, eighth for his freshman year, and eleventh for last year.

Last summer, he claimed victory at the Canadian Amateur title, earning him entry into the RBC Canadian Open. In his college career, he has finished among the top-5 four times and top-10 six times out of thirteen events this season.

McCulloch also shared medalist honors at the Johnnie-O at Sea Island tournament in March with a record-setting second round score of 10-under par 62. He concluded that event with a total score of 12-under par 204.