- McCulloch is currently 43rd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings
- Spartans golfer made his PGA TOUR debut at the RBC Canadian Open in 2024
DETROIT (May 12, 2025) – The Rocket Classic announced today that Michigan State University golfer Ashton McCulloch has received a sponsor exemption to compete in its 2025 tournament, scheduled for June 25–29 at Detroit Golf Club. Tournament representatives surprised McCulloch with the news during a special presentation.
McCulloch made his PGA TOUR debut at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, and then qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open after shooting 8-under in a qualifier at the Cherry Hill Club in Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada.
“Our commitment to community includes every corner of Michigan. We’re proud to stand behind the Spartans in East Lansing and welcome Ashton to the Rocket Classic,” said Mark Hollis, Chief Operating Officer of Rock Entertainment Group. “Ashton earned his spot among the Big Ten’s best, and we can’t wait to see him make a potential run up the leaderboard at this summer’s tournament.”
McCulloch’s standout junior season earned him multiple honors, including All-Big Ten Second Team recognition and a spot on the All-Midwest Region Team, selected by the Golf Coaches Association of America. He was also named to both the All-Big Ten Championship Team and the Academic All-Big Ten Team.
During his 2023-2024 season, McCulloch led the Spartans with a 70.89 scoring average. He set MSU’s single-season scoring record, surpassing the previous mark of 71.22 set by James Piot in 2021. McCulloch also recorded the lowest 18-hole score in program history with a 10-under-par 61 in the second round of the Johnnie-O at Sea Island in March 2024.
McCulloch was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his 2021-2022 season as he was the top finisher for the Spartans on six separate occasions that year. This honor has been awarded to just two other MSU golfers: Piot in 2018 and PGA TOUR professional Ryan Brehm in 2005.
Fans can catch McCulloch and other PGA TOUR champions in action by purchasing daily grounds and shared hospitality venue tickets at RocketClassic.com. Grounds tickets start at $65 per day, and up to four children age 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. LendingTree Lounge and Club Ace shared hospitality passes start at $120 and $230, respectively.
For the first time, students will receive special pricing of 31.3% off daily grounds tickets purchased with a valid .edu email address – a nod to Detroit’s 313 area code. On Saturday, June 28, all fans are encouraged to wear their favorite school colors, showcasing their allegiances to their alma maters or favorite teams as the tournament celebrates Collegiate Day.
On Sunday, June 22, admission and parking are complimentary for the final round of THE JOHN SHIPPEN Men’s Invitational presented by Rocket. On Wednesday, June 25, Detroit Community Day includes complimentary admission and parking for fans to enjoy access to exciting pre-tournament events such as the Delta Dental Pro-Am and The First Tee – Greater Detroit Youth Golf Clinic.
Since 2019, the Rocket Classic has invested nearly $10 million into local charitable organizations, including contributions to the event’s landmark “Changing the Course” initiative, which has played a vital role in bridging the digital divide in Detroit.
For more information, visit RocketClassic.com.
About the Rocket Classic
The Rocket Classic made history in 2019 as the first PGA TOUR event ever held in the city of Detroit and has continued to make a positive and lasting impact on the city and its residents through its multi-year “Changing the Course” campaign, established in 2020 to end the digital divide in Detroit and ensure digital accessibility for all city residents. The Rocket Classic was the most awarded event during the 2018-19 PGA TOUR season, being recognized for “Best Special Event” (then known as the AREA 313 Celebrity Challenge) and “Best Tournament Sales” as well as being honored with the first “Fair Way Award” for its diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Fair Way Award was bestowed upon the Rocket Classic again in 2023 and 2024, and in 2024 the tournament also received the Best Volunteer Program award. More information is available at RocketClassic.com and on Facebook, X and Instagram (@RocketClassic).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Greg Ball, 760-271-9183, gregb@bzapr.com