Central York golfer Gus Minkin finishes 22nd at Maryland AJGA event

Central York's Gus Minkin was disappointed Thursday night in his play at three-day American Junior Golf Association all-star tournament, where he finished 22nd overall, but he knew the event was a valuable experience only a month away from his sophomore season of high school golf.

Minkin started the week hot in Easton, Md., at Talbot Country Club. He shot a 1-under 71 during Monday's Performance Based Entry Qualifier, earning him four stars toward AJGA events. His play at the following all-star event, which consisted of rounds of 75, 75 and 76, won him one additional star to be used toward qualification for other AJGA tournaments.

"(Wednesday) I got off to a really bad start," Minkin said. "I had a bad 75, but (Thursday) I really couldn’t get anything going. I was hoping to get two stars."

Had Minkin finished in the top 20, he would have won another star. His 22nd-place showing, though, was still good enough to place within the top 50 percent among 72 golfers.

"I sometimes struggle with confidence. That helped because it showed me how I could play with those kids," said Minkin, who earned All-YAIAA honors as a freshman golfer.

Minkin said he is undecided as to whether he will play another AJGA tournament this summer before the high school season begins. He said he might consider one next month in New Jersey.