No. 13 SJU golf team shines despite challenging spring weather

This spring is less than ideal for spring sports across the state. However, No. 13 ranked SJU golf is learning to adapt to the weather and still compete at high levels.

“It really just causes our season to take place in a much smaller window. We’ve only had a couple opportunities this spring to be outside and hit off of grass, so the transition from hitting inside in an enclosed space is definitely the biggest challenge,” senior Thomas Gutzmer said.

The team has been practicing at the Alpers Golf Learning Center, which is their indoor facility at SJU. Located near the Skalicky Dome, the facility has two Trackman simulators, an indoor putting green and mats where golfers can hit off of and see the golf ball go airborne.

“We are extremely lucky to have access to facilities like this at SJU and are always grateful for the alums, donors and friends that make that possible,” Gutzmer said.

After winning four of their five tournaments in the fall and already qualifying for nationals in Nicholasville, Ky., the Johnnies are still finding success. At their first tournament in Illinois, the team took an impressive second place out of 37 teams. They only trailed the host school Illinois Wesleyan by three strokes. For the individual portion of the tournament, the Johnnies had two high finishes. Gutzmer won the individual title by four strokes with a score of 139, and sophomore Andrew Boemer placed in the top 10.

“I personally hit the ball very solid and was able to play some mistake-free golf to win the tournament as an individual,” Gutzmer said.

Gutzmer believes the team is satisfied with their start to their season, but are even more ready to get outside to carry this momentum throughout the season.

“I genuinely think all our players could be on a ‘watch list’ this spring. We have so many quality golfers on this team that really help to push each other to get better,” Gutzmer said.

The team currently has four different golfers with individual wins in a season, which Gutzmer believes is very telling of how competitive their group is.

“Our team has been working hard in the weight room, going to practice often and staying focused on our goals. At the end of the day, we all know we can’t control the weather and have prepared ourselves well physically and mentally for when the snow melts,” junior Nate Loxtercamp said.

Loxtercamp attributes much of the team’s success to their amazing facilities and ability to practice inside if the weather isn’t cooperating.

“Our meets have gone great so far, as we have been very competitive during our first rounds outside,” Loxtercamp said.

The team is preparing for their next few meets, which include Gustavus’ invitational this weekend, followed by SJU’s home invitational on April 29-30 at the Lynx National Golf Course in Sauk Centre. Loxtercamp is looking forward to the national tournament that will happen in Kentucky because he believes it will be an amazing opportunity for the team to do something great.

“I have so many talented teammates who work very hard, and I think many of them will have a solid spring season. Boemer is swinging great right now and is hoping to get his first collegiate win this spring,” Loxtercamp said.

Assistant coach Stephen Tax is also proud of his team for performing so well at their first tournament in Illinois.

“We have some talented players in our program. Any of our players can shoot low scores at any given time,” Tax said.

Tax is also looking forward to the national tournament in Kentucky because he believes the team is strong enough to be very competitive and make some noise. Head coach Bob Alpers said April 18 was the first round of golf the team has played in Minnesota due to previous weather cancellations.

“Fortunately, we are blessed with the dome and the golf room, so we have outstanding indoor facilities, but nothing compares to playing outside,” Alpers said.

Alpers is very content with the team’s impressive performances at their meets and tournaments thus far considering they have had very little practice outside on the grass.

“We have a tremendous group of 16 men on the team. They work really hard, and they are a joy to be around. Our starting five players, juniors Sam Berger, Nate Loxtercamp and Blake Schuler, along with Gutzmer and Boemer, are ranked in the top seven in scoring in the MIAC,” Alpers said.

Alpers’ favorite moment from the season so far was when the team won the MIAC Championship in the fall after accomplishing the greatest comeback in MIAC golf history. Despite being down 17 strokes with 22 holes left to play, the Johnnies showed grit and determination, which paid off in the end. With this conference win, the Johnnies were able to qualify themselves for the national tournament in May.

“Our goal this spring is to prepare for the NCAA Championships in Lexington, Ky., May 16-19. I have all the confidence in the world in these guys, and I believe we can compete with anyone. All we need is a little break in the weather,” Alpers said.