Trevor Chow can’t afford a slow start at the Nova Scotia Golf Association’s mid-amateur championship on Friday. Not if he plans on winning his second straight title.
“For me, it’s about getting off to a good start and getting confidence because I haven’t had many good rounds this year,” the 33-year-old Ashburn golfer said.
Chow, who claimed his first provincial crown of any kind by winning last year’s mid-amateur at the Chester Golf Club, hasn’t had as much time to hit the links since last year’s triumph.
The arrival of his first child last August and commitments to his job as an investment adviser at ScotiaMcLeod have given him less time to work on his game. He estimates he’s been out about a dozen times since April.
“My game isn’t where I’d like it to be, but it actually wasn’t very good last year until I went to the mid-am,” the Baddeck native said. “I’m hoping it will be a replay of last year.”
Last year, he fired solid rounds of 71 and 74 through 36 holes. He had a four-stroke lead and was declared champion when the event was rained out on the final day.
If he can avoid early trouble, he could be among the frontrunners once again.
“Each round, I’ve just sort of been giving away easy shots here and there, whether it’s a couple of three-putts or just hitting one into the woods,” he said. “I think my game is getting close.”
This year’s event will be held on the 6,164-yard, par-72 layout at the Greenwood Golf Club in Greenwood, Kings Co. Fellow past champions Aaron Nickerson and Jody Swim, both of River Hills, also highlight the field, among many other challengers.
The top four finishers qualify for the national mid-amateur from Aug. 16 to 20 in Gatineau, Que.
“Expectations for any tournament are to win so that’s what I’m looking for,” he said. “But there’s a strong field and a lot of good players, so winning is never easy.”
Past champs
• Past Nova Scotia Golf Association men’s mid-amateur champions.
2009 — Trevor Chow, Ashburn
2008 — Aaron Nickerson, River Hills
2007 — Jody Swim, River Hills
2006 — Rob Collins, Clare
2005 — Rob Collins, Clare
2004 — David Shupe, Ashburn
2003 — Gary Carter, Amherst
2002 — Mel Murray, Fredericton, N.B.
2001 — Gerry MacMillan, Paragon
2000 — Gerry MacMillan, Paragon
