By Moses Leos III

Hays High sophomore Gerry Diaz knows how fickle the game of golf is  — he nearly quit the sport last spring because of it. 

Diaz persevered, coming within one putt at the Region IV tournament in Kerrville of making it to state. Diaz now knows he has what it takes to take on the state’s best in 2015. 

“I know what I’m doing now. I just had to keep going and eventually, it turned around,” he said. “Since then, it’s gotten better and better.” 

Diaz’s father introduced him to the sport, often bringing his son with him during golf outings. During that time, Diaz met and talked with several tour pros his father played against, including Wes Short Jr., a golfer at the University of Texas and a PGA Tour pro. 

During this time his father bought him his first set of clubs. From there, the youth, who was more into cars, took a liking to the links. 

“From the beginning, it was something I would do on the weekends to have fun,” Diaz said. “Then I started to realize I was pretty good … it’s now all I want to do in my free time.” 

Diaz began to rise through the ranks, excelling in tournaments. That caught the attention of Hays High golf coach Danny Preuss. 

“He has control of his game,” Preuss said. “He knows what he is doing; he has a plan and he accomplishes it.” 

Diaz’ career hit a speed bump during his freshman year. He excelled early on, attaining the number one spot on the team. Toward the end of the season, Diaz said he hit a “rough spot,” struggling to keep his game up. Unhappy with his play, Diaz was on the verge of giving up the sport. 

He decided to take a month’s hiatus. It helped clear his head. By the time summer 2013 rolled around, Diaz was ready to go. 

“That’s what kept me going [in the game],” he said. 

Helping him were his dad, who is his coach, and his golf friends. Diaz said his dad “taught him everything” he knows about the game. He also helps Diaz break down his play. 

Often, he says, he and his father talk “for hours” on what exactly happened on the links. 

Diaz also seeks the advice of the pros he plays with, saying they give him tips on how to approach any situation on the course. 

“I’ll watch them go through their process on different situations,” he said. “It helps me during difficult situations. It helps me think about my shots.” 

The assistance helped Diaz succeed in 2014, taking him to regionals. Diaz’s first day at region, however, didn’t go as planned. His 8 a.m. tee was pushed to noon due to weather. 

He battled the elements – including  40 mile per hour wind gusts. Preuss said Diaz wasn’t pleased with his performance, but the sophomore kept up with the lead pack. He finished day one with an 82, trailing by a shot for the last spot to state. 

In day two, Diaz shot two over par on the front nine, but rallied for two under par in the final nine for a 73. His score tied for the last spot to state, forcing a playoff. 

Preuss said Diaz’s first two shots placed him in a good position. But, the greens were his downfall. Needing a putt to force a second playoff hole, Diaz’s shot lipped out of the cup, ending his state meet bid. 

Preuss still holds the soon-to-be junior in high regard. A “perfectionist,” Diaz improves after every round. 

And, Preuss said, Diaz’s maturity level is growing, giving his already natural ability the chance to blossom. 

“I haven’t had many golfers know how to shake the ball, or play a fade or draw when they need to,” Preuss said. “He has a lot of different shots in his bag.” 

Diaz now eyes the chance to reach state next year. 

“I’m not happy that I lost,” he said. “But I got some experience I will do better next year.”