It鈥檚 not the way you start, but how you finish. That was especially true for Kade Johnson in the Saskatchewan Men鈥檚 Amateur Championship. The Yorkton golfer overcame a weak first round to take the championship. The 19 year-old Deer Park member competed at the event at the Dakota Dunes Golf Links on July 17-19.
On the first day, Johnson shot a 75. Johnson explains that while he was playing well, he wasn鈥檛 able to make putts like he would have liked.
鈥淚 just started making a few more putts, got some confidence in the putter, and I played well on the last two days.鈥�
By playing well, Johnson means putting up a 66 on the remaining two days. While he was behind for most of the tournament, Johnson eventually went on to shoot a total of 207, coming in two ahead of the next closest golfer, Michael Herperger of Humboldt. In third was David Stewart, who led for the first two days of the tournament but ended with a final score of 210.
In a tournament filled with ups and downs, Johnson kept a level head through it all, something he credits with helping him with his eventual win.
鈥淚 knew I was playing well, I knew I could do it... On the first day, I never got too low on myself, or too mad. On the last day, I never got too high or too excited. Keep steady emotions and a steady mind.鈥�
Johnson is proud to have won the tournament and he鈥檚 elated to have his name on the same trophy as some of the province鈥檚 best golfers.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a tournament with a lot of great names on the trophies, hall of famers... It鈥檚 something I鈥檝e been working towards for two years now, and winning it feels pretty good.鈥�
Next up for Johnson is the Canadian Amateur Men鈥檚 Championship in Duncan, British Columbia from Aug. 6-9. Right now, he鈥檚 preparing for the tournament by studying the course. After the final two days of the Saskatchewan Men鈥檚 Amateur tournament, Johnson is confident in his game.
鈥淚鈥檓 going to keep doing what I鈥檓 doing, play a lot and keep my game sharp.鈥�
