Unknown no longer

LEHI — In the past year, Nick Nelson has seen noticeable improvements in his golf game.

A swing change and grip change led to a stellar sophomore season at Odessa (Texas) College where he finished in a tie for eighth at the NJCAA National Championships two months ago in Arizona.

Sunday, the UVSC junior-to-be now has some tangible evidence to validate his game.

Nelson, who graduated from neighboring Lone Peak High School, edged Scott Clark 1-up to take home the Utah State Amateur crown at Thanksgiving Point in his first-ever attempt.

Nelson missed a 14-foot putt on the 18th hole (36th of the day) from the relatively the same line Clark would have, leaving the door ajar for Clark to force extra holes with a 12-foot birdie putt, but he couldn't convert it.

"I thought I was going to make it. I felt good about it," Clark said. "It was a misread. His didn't break much, but I thought he pushed it."

Clark's putt missed high right.

"I knew it (a win) was bound to happen," said Nelson, whose latest win came two years ago at the Moab Open. "I made a lot of changes in my swing and knew it would have to come eventually if I put in enough effort and practice. I knew it would come, but I didn't know when."

With past champions Tommy Sharp and Michael McRae and a host of other top golfers in the field, neither Nelson or Clark were considered a favorite.

Nelson went through Rick Lloyd, Zach Bachman, Brady Stanger and Chris Gresh in at least 18 holes to reach the final, while Clark dispatched Todd Francis, Sharp, Dan Homer and Robbie Fillmore to reach the finals.

Operating in obscurity was fine with Nelson.

"I think going into it there isn't a lot of expectations, which makes it easier for me — less pressure," he said. "I love being the one coming from behind and trying to reach the top."

Clark started the day with three straight birdies to take a 1-up lead through three holes. The match went all square with a birdie by Nelson on a eighth hole.

Nelson, leading by a hole, put the ball in the water on his drive on No. 12, which eventually evened the match, but he won No. 14 and No. 16 to take a 2-up lead heading into the final 18 holes.

He promptly made birdie on the first hole to go 3-up before Clark made his move.