BY JACK RUBIN
Communications - Ohio Golf Association

COLUMBUS, OHIO - On Monday, Marcus Meloan made just one bogey at Worthington Hills Country Club to top the field in a U.S. Senior Open Local Qualifier. Meloan, an Augusta, Ky. native, shot a 2-under 69 to become one of 15 players to advance to final qualifying.

Playing alongside Meloan was two-time PGA TOUR winner Frank Lickliter II, who also earned a golden ticket into U.S. Open Final Qualifying with an even-par 71.

After a difficult finish in regulation, the 15th and final spot was earned by Brian Unk of Lewis Center, Ohio. Unk, a local teaching professional and high school coach, made two pars in a playoff to edge out Bobby Kearney, Pete Betzold, and Robert F. Gerwin II.

In total, 10 Ohio golfers advanced through the Local Qualifier at Worthington Hills.

Qualifiers:

Marcus Meloan (Augusta, KY) 69
Sam Arnold (Cincinnati, OH) 70
Timothy Ailes (Delaware, OH) 70
Frank Lickliter II (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) 71
Kurt Peterson (a) (Bolivar, OH) 71
Jeff Lemaster (Las Vegas, NV) 72
Scott Savage (Mount Vernon, OH) 72
Kevin Shields (Pittsburgh, PA) 72
Chad Ammer (Cincinnati, OH) 73
John Marous (a) (Pittsburgh, PA) 73
Ryan Reichley (a) (Beavercreek, OH) 73
Jon Jones (Warren, OH) 73
Dave Bahr (Cincinnati, OH) 73
Brian Unk (Lewis Center, OH) 74* 4-for-1 playoff

Alternates:

1st - Bobby Kearney (Chillicothe, OH) 74
2nd - Pete Betzold (a) West Chester, OH 74

For full results, click HERE.

For a photo gallery from Monday's qualifier, click HERE.

A U.S. Senior Open Final Qualifier in the state of Ohio will take place on Monday, May 19 at Piqua Country Club.

For a complete list of results from U.S. Senior Open qualifying, click HERE.

This year's U.S. Senior Open Championship is hosted by The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colo., from June 26-29, 2025.

To view more USGA qualifiers hosted by the Ohio Golf Association this season, click HERE.