Through wet conditions, Lusk shines in Meadville
By Josh Rowntree, Director of Communications • May 21, 2025
MEADVILLE — The second West Penn Amateur qualifying round was unable to escape the whacky weather trends of this spring.
But it looked like Colton Lusk was playing in ideal conditions.
Lusk shined on a day with chilly temperatures, varying levels of rain and a steady breeze that dampened The Country Club of Meadville in Wednesday’s qualifying round for the 125th WPGA Amateur Championship.
The Peters Township senior was the round’s low scorer, managing to not bogey a single hole while shooting a 3-under score of 69.
“It was the first time I played here,” said Lusk. “I tend to play better when I first see the course. I played Laurel Valley a couple of days ago for the first time and shot 68. I just put one foot in front of the other and just kept going.”
Lusk’s final number was impressive enough. Doing so with the soggy conditions and without knowledge of the course — located over 100 miles away from his home — is another story.
“I don’t know what’s out there,” he said of the blind approach to the round. “I just see the green, see the fairway and hit. It tends to go straight.”
“I was 1-under through nine holes and felt like I probably could get a couple more on the back nine,” said Lusk, who proceeded to birdie the 11th and 12th holes. “I had a couple of putts on the front nine that just missed. I knew it was coming.”
Overnight, the northwest region of Pennsylvania was blasted with strong storms, knocking out power in some places. But Lusk, who teed off just after the storm’s residual rain had passed, was able to stay relatively dry.
“It was a little windy on some shots, but that’s about it,” he said. “It just played a little longer.”
Lusk, a member at Nemacolin Country Club, joined 17 other players who clinched spots in the long-running West Penn Amateur, set for July 14-15 at Sunnehanna Country Club in Johnstown.
Competing for that title, even as a recent high school graduate, doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility. In October, Lusk dominated his way around Oakmont Country Club, logging seven birdies and a score of 67 to win the WPIAL Class 3A Championship.
“Last year was really good,” Lusk said. “But I really want to show who I am this year and put up good numbers moving forward.
“I’m moving in the right direction. My short game is coming along more than the last couple of years.”
And that could set him up for early success at the next level. In the winter, Lusk committed to Siena College, where he’ll matriculate to in August.
“Honestly, it was one of my only options,” he said. “The NCAA limited roster sizes this year, and that limited my options… It’s just pushed a lot of guys back.”
Lusk was followed on the leaderboard by The Country Club of Meadville member Luke Ferry, who shot 1-over. Six different players carded 2-over scores, and six more finished 3-over.
A five-player playoff was used to determine the final qualifying position – claimed by Luke Kimmich – as well as two alternate spots.
The 18 qualified players joined 11 players from this month’s qualifying round at Greensburg Country Club — with 21 more to join the field from the June 4 qualifying round at Latrobe Elks Golf Club.
That group will combine with exempt players for the West Penn Am, which has operated since the WPGA’s inception in 1899.
And for Lusk, the prestige of the event will likely be enough to convince him to sneak in a practice round this time — even if it does mean a lengthy drive from the South Hills.
“I’ve never been there,” he said, with a laugh. “But I probably should go out.”
For final results, please click here. (GGID: 25WPGAAMQ)
For any media inquiries, please contact WPGA Director of Communications Josh Rowntree.
About the WPGA
Founded in 1899, the Western Pennsylvania Golf Association is the steward of amateur golf in the region. Started by five Member Clubs, the association now has nearly 200 Member Clubs and nearly 37,000 members. The WPGA conducts 14 individual competitions and 10 team events, and administers the WPGA Scholarship Fund and Western Pennsylvania Golf Hall of Fame.