Gums records even par for Lodi, which edges Lincoln
WOODBRIDGE — Justin Gums has the present and the future of playing on the greens at the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club on his mind.
The Lodi High boys golfer had a good finish, although he felt it should’ve been better, in Thursday’s Tri-City Athletic League opener against Lincoln. On the 37-par course, Gums fired an even 37. That helped Lodi notch its first league win of the season, 206-214 over the Trojans.
Gums was the only scorer for Lodi (1-0 in the TCAL, 6-1) who carded in the 30s during the two hour contest. He was quick to point out points of his game on Thursday.
“Punched greens,” Gums said. “It’s tough make the putts out there, so you’re automatically 15, 20 feet trying to knock those putts in, you’re trying to play defense. You’re trying to twoputt them instead of one-putt them. You’re playing a little bit more conservative. Punched greens are tough to play on.”
Lodi coach Jim Staal admitted he’s going to miss Gums when he graduates, along with three other senior starters on the team; Tyler Rowlands, Dean Ky and Evan Seibly.
“Losing him next year is much more than just losing the scores that he shoots,” Staal said. “He’s been our best captain, our best shooter.”
Behind Gums in scoring for Lodi (10 in the TCAL, 6-1) was Seibly, just three over par at 40. Ky finished the day on the green with a 41 and Rowlands and Trevor Topham a 44 each.
Jack LeBaron finished at 46.
“We have our top four who are very experienced through the last four years,” Staal said.
Gums, who is the Flames’ team captain, added, “I feel like the four, five and six guys are stepping up a little bit more. I feel they are getting a little bit more confidence. I feel one through six is a lot stronger this year than last year.”
Lincoln’s Tsunami Veda had his team’s best score at 40. Jason Quitano and Chris Khan 43 each and Dylan Loth and Zach Harrel finished at 44 each.
One of Gums’ strengths is firing the ball; from teeing off to the middle of courses. His shots have been known to be the length of a football field.
“To me, the true strength of his game is his mental ability,” Staal said. “The science of how to get the ball in certain places, certain angles, how to lead the ball to certain areas in the putting green. He’s a great student of the game.”
Last season, Lodi finished in second place behind Lincoln. As a team, the Flames missed the cut to earn a California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Tournament berth.
“Our goals the last few years has always been more about playoffs than the regular season,” Staal said.
On May 21, the NorCal tournament will be played at the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club. Gums has his sights set on playing in that tournament. But he knows TCAL play, plus Sac-Joaquin Section divisional and Master tournaments are first and foremost.
“It’s been our goal to keep our games improving,” Staal said. “We have a shot to come here and be a part of the NorCal (tournament). We’ve got a month to get better.”
That includes Lodi players working on their games; from firing off the tee to short games to playing holes in the middle of matches.
“Everyone has to zero in on their weaknesses, and try to get them to improve,” Staal said. “When we get into playoffs, hopefully make a push to get here (to the golf and country club for the NorCal tournament).”
Gums added, “To have something like that in your backyard that you get to play. I’m looking forward to making a deep run and hopefully get to it. Go out on a bang.”
After the high school boys golf season is over in May, plus graduation toward the end of the same month, Gums will be attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. He will be a part of the Horned Frog’s men’s golf team next spring. Texas Christian University was one of four colleges Gums looked at before making his decision.
“I felt like TCU was the best fit in terms of climate; I wanted to go somewhere warm,” said Gums, who plans to major in business. “Get my feet wet in a top 50 Division I program. You’ve probably heard it a few times; it seems like you just get on the campus and it just felt like home.”