Kuntz 36 holes away from qualifying for U.S. Open.

Braxton Kuntz is one step away from a major career achievement.

The Winnipeg golfer advanced to the final qualifying stage for the 2024 U.S. Open after winning a four-person playoff at Broadmoor Country Club in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday.

Kuntz, 20, who attends Ball State University (Indiana), an NCAA Division 1 program, was one of five players in a field of college athletes and professionals to advance.

He fired a sizzling six-under 66 on the strength of an eagle and six birdies to put himself in a four-person playoff for three spots. On the par-3 third playoff hole, he stuck his tee shot to within five inches and tapped in for birdie to secure his place in the next qualifier.

“Going into it, I honestly hadn’t really set too many expectations for myself. (The men’s golf team at Ball State University) competed in our conference tournament three days before and we ended up winning, so that was where my mind was going throughout the week. It was final exam week, too, so I hadn’t been playing a whole lot leading up.

“I was just going out there, having one of the guys on the team caddy for me, and trying to have a fun time.”

Kuntz, a graduate of Linden Christian School, will compete in the final qualifying stage — a one-day 36-hole event — June 3 at Cherry Hill Club, south of Niagara Falls, Ont.

“It’s only one day. Stuff happens and if I get hot, it might be a bit of a life-changing event. We’ll see,” he said.

It’s one of several qualifying locations to determine the final competitors for the 124th Open, slated for mid-June at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina.

Qualifying for the prestigious major would put Kuntz in some elite local company. He would be the first Manitoban to play in a U.S. Open since Adam Spiers, who teed it up in 2002 and 2007.

Dan Halldorson competed in six U.S. Opens from 1984 to 1992, more than any other Manitoban, while George Knudson holds the best finish by a Manitoban, a tie for 17th in 1965.

“There’s a lot to think about, but I’m trying not to let my mind go there, I’m just going to focus on what’s ahead of me and try and work as hard as I can leading up to the tournament,” said Kuntz. “(I’m going) into it trying not to put too much pressure on myself, but realizing that no matter how I play it’s going to be a great growing experience for me, getting to play against a lot of touring pros.”

joshua.frey-sam@freepress.mb.ca

X: @jfreysam