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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.

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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!