This year the Northeast Amateur celebrated its 54th year of hosting the best amateurs in the world.  The Tournament began in 1962 and was played as a 54 hole event until 1968. The Tournament is an invitational event conducted at stroke play over 72 holes and is limited to 88 players.  Contestants are selected on the basis of their competitive record and accomplishments in major tournaments.  The play is over four days with an 18 hole round each day.

The Wannamoisett Country Club is a private golf course located in Rumford, Rhode Island. The course was designed by Donald Ross in 1914 and played host to the 1931 PGA Championship (which was won by Tom Creavy) and hosts the prestigious Northeast Amateur every year. This par 69 course plays 6,688 yards long from the blue tees and 6,399 yards long from the white tees.  The fairways are lined with very thick rough and the large, undulating greens are difficult to read. It is currently ranked as the number one course in Rhode Island by Golf Digest.

Luke Donald won this tournament in 2000 and 2001.  Luke Donald is a former world number one golfer having held the number one position for 40 weeks from May 2011 to March 2012.  Dustin Johnson also won this tournament in 2007.

Nick finished tied for 5th with rounds of 65, 69, 68 and 72.  He had an incredible week and stayed with some very special hosts – Marc Sorel and Rachel Noah.  They took the whole week off work to be involved in the tournament and came out every day and supported him – what incredible people and a very special experience for Nick.

In Nick’s own words “I played very well this week, the tournament is ranked the 9th best amateur event in the world – getting into the field is an achievement in it’s own right.  So to go on and be in contention and then finish tied for 5th is something I am very proud of.  What I enjoyed most about this week was that I was in contention every single day.  I learned how to handle my emotions and play with courage in front of the large galleries that came out to watch.  I played in the second to last group on the last two days and feel I handled that pressure well.” To view the highlights from the tournament follow the link below – Nick features on Day 2, 3 and 4.  It is unfortunate that the presenter refers to Nick as Nick Voke from Australia.

http://www.northeastamateur.com/gallery/media-gallery-videos

Prior to the start of the tournament they hold the Annual Long Drive Competition – Nick drove the ball 302 yards or 276 metres.  He was 10 yards shy of winning the competition.