Gavin Pychinka admitted that he didn’t have his best days at the PIAA State Golf Championships at the Penn State Golf Courses, but he soon won’t forget the time he spent there.

“It was an amazing experience,” gushed the Northampton senior. “Getting to this point means a lot to me. And I couldn’t be more proud of myself for the past four years.”

Pychinka fired a pair of 76s for a two-round total of an eight-over, 152 that tied him for 47th place in his first trip to the state tournament.

“I didn’t have my best days shooting two 76s,” said Pychinka. “My short game didn’t come through. My ball-striking was good, but my short game led me to getting some bogeys.”

Playing among a large field, Pychinka wasn’t fazed. Despite getting back toward his baseball workout soon, Pychinka plans to keep his clubs nearby. Over the past two years, Pychinka hit .348 with three homers and 39 RBIs as the team’s three-hole hitter.

“I didn’t feel there was any pressure this week,” he added. “I felt if I just went out there and played my game, I could play with anybody in the state. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have my best these two days.”

“I will keep playing some rounds throughout the winter and fall whenever I can. But when the time comes for baseball, it’s baseball.”

Head coach Brian Davies certainly will miss Pychinka’s steady presence. Pychinka will attend McDaniel College next fall to continue his golf career and study business.

“Gavin ended up plus-eight for the tournament, but it wasn’t a great indication of his swing,” said Davies. “He had several fantastic shots. Gavin struggled with his putter and never quite got comfortable on the greens.

“However, just being a state qualifier is an honor in itself on top of being an individual district champion. The PIAA golf tournament was a great learning opportunity for Gavin as he prepares for his collegiate golf career.

“I have no doubt that Gavin is an all timer athlete at Northampton and will one day be in the K-Kids Hall of Fame.”