The year could not get any better for Justin Lower! He shot impressive rounds of 64-68, tying with Seamus Power at the Ohio State University Scarlet Course. The Canal Fulton player made six birdies and went completely bogey-free in the morning round. Despite scoring two bogeys in the afternoon session, an eagle with three birdies did the trick for him!

Lower finished as a co-medalist in the US Open Final Qualifying. He will be playing the first-ever major in his entire career at the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club from June 13 to June 16. Although it was a happy day for him, sadly, it also brings back some sad memories.

What will make Justin Lower’s first major extra special?

As the qualifying round concluded, Lower was asked about the impact of the results left on it. The official X (formerly Twitter) page of the US Open shared the video. Listening to the question, he was already teary-eyed, as it meant everything to him. Expecting to be on the field a lot earlier, he said, “It’s just I told myself I wouldn’t do this but you know it’s just really cool. A lot later than I thought I’d play one.”

Upon seeing him in tears, he was further asked about the emotions that he was processing. He had lost his father at a very young age, and coincidentally enough, the US Open falls on Father’s Day. The 2024 U.S. Open will be Lower’s first major in his 13-year-long professional career. To honor his father, the PGA Tour has decided to play the tournament in his late father’s name.

Lower added, “I don’t know, just happiness I guess. Because the Sunday usually falls on Father’s Day and I lost my dad when I was 15. Just to be able to play the U.S. Open on that day would be cool.” Things seem to be looking up for the 35-year-old as the third major of this season will be held in his hometown, Ohio—just the perfect finishing touch that he needed.

In Columbus, there were 5 spots up for grabs and on June 3, 68 players teed off at the Scarlet Course in hopes of securing a spot for themselves. Apart from Lower and Power, who is the third PGA Tour pro who earned a ticket to Pinehurst No. 2, and who are the other two qualifiers?

Result of the 4-player playoff at the final qualifying round

On Monday, four players—Brendon Todd of Athens, amateur golfer Gunnar Broin of Shorewood, Chris Naegel of Wildwood, and Otto Black of Detroit shot a 9-under par in Columbus. This initiated a playoff to grab the remaining three spots for players qualifying for the Majors. Gunnar Broin, the only amateur to head to the field, aced the round with a 39-foot birdie in the 15th hole, scoring a 65-68.

While Brendon Todd opened the playoff round with a birdie, earning him the spot at 65-68. Chris Naegel finished off at 64-69 and became the final player to qualify. However, Otto Black failed to keep up his form in the playoff and became the first alternative at 68-65. Joshua Lee earned a spot for himself as the second alternative with a 69-65!

Will the US Open 2024 live up to its hype, with some of the best players competing in the field? Stay tuned to find out!