Michigan State senior golfers Ashton McCulloch and Caleb Bond have been selected to play as individuals in the NCAA Columbus Regional at the Ohio State Golf Club from May 18-20.
MSU failed to qualify as a team for the regionals for the first time since 2021, but it is the 10th straight year that the Spartans will be represented with at least one individual golfer participating.
“It wasn’t the season that we wanted as a team, but it’s still really cool to represent Michigan State at the next level at regionals,” McCulloch said. “I’m excited to get going alongside (Bond). It’s a cool experience for both of us. It’s another chance to prove yourself and represent the university, which I’ve loved having that opportunity over the past five years.”
McCulloch has been MSU’s top finisher in five of the team’s six events and is second behind Bond with a 71.00 scoring average over 17 rounds in the spring. McCulloch, a former Big Ten Freshman of the Year and three-time All-Big Ten Second Team selection, holds the school record with a career 71.47 scoring average and will be competing in his fourth regional while at MSU.
Bond, a Williamston native who transferred to MSU from Ferris State last season, leads the team with a 70.71 scoring average in the spring – the best mark in MSU program history.
“We’re excited for a good week in Columbus,” Bond said. “I think I always have confidence, and between myself and (McCulloch) we’ve felt great all season. He’s my brother, and we’re going to have a great time out there. I’ve learned a lot from him, but I think he’s learned a couple things from me too.”
Both McCulloch and Bond have had consistent success in tournaments this season. McCulloch has eight top-20 finishes, including three in the top five, while Bond has secured 10 top-20 finishes.
McCulloch and Bond will be competing to finish as the top individual outside of the five teams in the regional to qualify for the NCAA Championships. If either accomplishes that feat, they would advance to play at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. from May 29- June 3.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Ashton McCulloch, Caleb Bond to represent MSU at NCAA men’s golf regional
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
