Nick has knack: Utah Valley's Nelson back to defend his State Amateur title
He wasn't among those named on anyone's "players to beat" list.
As the week progressed, however, others in the field began to learn of the former Lone Peak High golfer who had slipped away for a couple of years to play for Odessa Junior College in Texas.
And as he, one by one, disposed of his challengers en route to becoming the 2007 champion, Nelson's golf game quickly earned the respect of every top player in Utah. He is no longer an off-the-radar player.
"Going into the State Am last year, I was kind of struggling with my game," Nelson said. "But playing the way I did and beating the guys I beat gave me confidence that I had never had before. Winning the championship was kind of a kick-start to my success and to the confidence I needed to be a better player."
As nearly 300 players tee off today on Soldier Hollow's two courses with a goal of dethroning Nelson, the now senior-to-be at Utah Valley University is hoping to prove that last year's win was no fluke. Since he's exempt into match play, he'll use today's and tomorrow's medal-play rounds to get more familiar with the courses.
Considering a State Am champ has defended his title 16 times in the tournament's 110-year history, Nelson's goal is not unrealistic. In fact, if he wins this year, he might even delay turning professional next summer just long enough to go for a three-peat.
Realistically though, this year could be much like last year in a different way. Most in the field feel there is no clear cut favorite and that at least half the field is capable of winning — and no one would be shocked if again another underdog like Nelson emerged as champion. In fact, about half the field has a 1 handicap or better, which indicates there are plenty of players with the game to get the job done.
"It's just a feat to get to match play, and once in match play, anyone can win it," said 2005 champion and two-time medalist Michael McRae.
Actually, if one had to pick a pre-tournament favorite, it would likely be McRae. When the State Am was held at Soldier Hollow two years ago, McRae set a course record on both the Gold (67) and Silver (62) courses to win medalist honors by eight shots. He also took home medalist honors last year at Thanksgiving Point.
"I'm more concerned with going a lot farther in the tournament than winning medalist again," said McRae, who lost in the quarterfinals in 2006 and was upset in the first round last year.
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golf is a game that changes daily. on any given day you can beat...
golfer | July 9, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.
