The U.S. Open Final Qualifying event at Cherry Hill Club in Ontario saw an impressive performance from Ashton McCulloch, a Canadian amateur champion and rising senior at Michigan State. McCulloch managed to secure one of the seven spots available for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, despite stiff competition from PGA Tour professionals. His 8-under 134 total was enough to earn him a chance to compete in his first major championship. It was a dream come true for McCulloch, who described playing on the PGA Tour as his passion.
Another standout performer at the qualifying event was Mark Hubbard, who narrowly missed breaking the course record at Cherry Hill with a score of 63. Hubbard, who uses a TaylorMade Spider putter, had a stellar round that helped him secure a spot in the U.S. Open. Rico Hoey also impressed with rounds of 68-63, securing his first major appearance after a challenging season on the PGA Tour. Hoey overcame doubts about his game and a recent illness to deliver a strong performance and qualify for the prestigious event.
Among the other qualifiers were Davis Thompson, who shot a 63 in the morning round, Greyson Sigg, and Aaron Rai. Sigg tied for fifth place with Rai, who shared his excitement about returning to Pinehurst, a place he had fond memories of from his junior golf days. Keith Mitchell narrowly missed out on qualification but secured first-alternate status with a clutch birdie at the final hole. Matt Wallace also secured a spot as the second alternate, further highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
The Cherry Hill Club, renowned for its challenging Walter Travis-designed course, proved to be a formidable venue for the qualifiers. The course saw multiple low scores, including four 63s on Monday, which tied the course record. The challenging greens tested the players’ putting skills, with many opting for unconventional putters to navigate the slopes and breaks effectively. The event attracted a total of 67 players vying for the seven coveted spots in the U.S. Open, showcasing the high level of competition and talent on display.
Overall, the U.S. Open Final Qualifying event at Cherry Hill Club in Ontario was a showcase of outstanding golf talent and determination. Ashton McCulloch, Mark Hubbard, Rico Hoey, and the other qualifiers demonstrated their skill and resilience in earning a chance to compete at Pinehurst No. 2. The event provided an opportunity for rising stars like McCulloch to shine alongside seasoned PGA Tour professionals, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport. With the U.S. Open just around the corner, fans can look forward to witnessing these talented players take on one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments.
