Gallagher, Lostumbo fire a three-under-par; win medal in Four-Ball Qualifying
Mendham, N.J. – The tandem of Michael Gallagher and Joey Lostumbo teamed to fire a three-under-par 69 today to claim medalist honors in the first of three qualifying rounds for the 89th New Jersey State Golf Association Four-Ball Championship at the par-72, 6,617 yard Mendham Golf and Tennis Club in Mendham. Gallagher, of Echo Lake, and Lostumbo, of Stanton Ridge, led a group of 13 teams who have qualified for the championship proper at Galloway National Golf Club May 18-20.
Under bright and sunny skies but breezy and chilly conditions, Lostumbo and Gallagher fashioned six birdies against three bogeys en route to their medalist effort. They combined for a front nine score of four-under-par 32, highlighted by a run of four consecutive birdies on holes three through six. A cohesive, tactical approach was key under the tough conditions.
“We fed off each other, and had the birdie train going. We felt good the entire time and made sure we communicated our game plan and we executed,” stated Gallagher, the 20-year-old resident of Mountainside.
Lostumbo, age 20 of Flemington, explained the duo’s approach: “We just had to stay patient because the greens were firm and the pins were tough - so we just couldn't get down on ourselves if we didn't hit the right shot. We knew it would take a good score to qualify, so that’s where we focused.”
The typically magnificent, yet challenging conditions of Mendham were made more demanding by a persistent wind throughout the day which kept temperatures in the low-60s for the duration. The qualifying score of one-over-par 73 was a testament to a stern, early season test of golf.
Two more qualifying rounds will be conducted for the Four-Ball Championship; the second will be held tomorrow, April 27 at Ballamor Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township and the third will be held on Monday, May 3 at Mercer Oaks (West) Golf Course.
Follow live scoring for the remaining two qualifying rounds and the championship proper at NJSGA.org.
