Walter Gumbinger, a former Princeton High golf standout, made a significant impact during his freshman season with the Dickinson College men’s golf team, securing a spot on the A team after a strong performance in a qualifier held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Gumbinger initially faced challenges in the fall season, missing the A team by one shot after taking a break from golf before starting college. He attributed this to feeling out of sync with his swing and lacking confidence. However, dedicated practice during the winter break, including working with Springdale Golf Club Director of Instruction Jason Barry and utilizing an indoor simulator, helped him regain his form.
His efforts paid off in the spring season. After playing well in the Myrtle Beach qualifier, Gumbinger solidified his position on the A team by tying for 21st at the Dickinson Spring Invitational from March 22-23, carding a nine-over 152. This performance, tying with another freshman, Landon Mauser, for the fourth and fifth spots, boosted his confidence.
Gumbinger continued to excel, helping Dickinson secure first place at the Swarthmore Invitational in Malvern, Pennsylvania, where he finished ninth individually with a +9 222. He also tied for 23rd at the Camp Lejeune Intercollegiate in mid-April, contributing to the Red Devils’ third-place team finish. On April 20, he tied for third individually at the Gettysburg Invitational with a nine-over 153, as Dickinson again placed first as a team. The spring season concluded with a second-place finish for the Red Devils at the Centennial Conference Tournament, where Gumbinger tied for 15th individually with a +7 223.
Reflecting on his freshman year, Gumbinger expressed satisfaction with his ability to perform well despite not always having his best swing, highlighting an improvement in his mental strength throughout the demanding season. He is continuing his training this summer, participating in events like the MGA Ike, NJ Amateur, and NJ Open. In mid-June, he tied for first at a US Amateur local qualifier at Neshanic Valley, shooting a three-under 69. Looking ahead, Gumbinger aims to solidify his spot on the A team and compete in as many events as possible during his sophomore year, having finished as the team’s number two in scoring average.
