May 20, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Many members of the Michigan State men's golf team have had amateur success lately, away from their responsibilities as a member of the Spartans.

Freshman Graham Baillargeon and junior Jordan Ensrud advanced through their respective local qualifier for the 2008 U.S. Open this past week. Baillargeon shot a two-under par 70 on Monday, May 12 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath, Mich., while Ensrud fired a one-over 73 on Monday at The Links at Northfolk in Ramsey, Minn. Baillargeon was one of four from his location and Ensrud was one of three from his course to move onto the sectional qualifiers which are scheduled to begin on May 26. MSU freshman Philip Snow is the first alternate after firing a one-under 71 at Eagle Eye.

Junior Steve Cuzzort continued his amatuer success in the state of Michigan, winning the 2008 Horton Smith Championship on Saturday, May 10 at the Detroit Golf Club. Cuzzort, who is also the reigning Golf Association of Michigan champion and runner-up at the Michigan Amateur, led wire-to-wire in shooting a 17-under par 263, tying the previous tournament scoring record. Spartan redshirt junior Grant Tungate placed second, nine strokes behind Cuzzort at eight-under 272.