Nick Jones determined to overcome nerves at highest level
Nick Jones has taken his disappointing display competing on the Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour in the United States last week all in stride.
The local professional finished tied for 44th at six-over 148 in a field of 52 at the Ascension Classic presented by Daugherty Business Solutions held at Glen Echo Country Club in St Louis, Missouri.
Jones carded an even-par 71 in the opening round but was unable to capitalise on the promising start as he found the going tough on the way to a six-over 77 in the second and final round of the 36-hole event.
Fellow Bermudian Daniel Augustus was joint 39th at four-over 146.
“I actually played pretty good the first day. I shot even and was in 20th place after the first day,” the 34-year-old told The Royal Gazette.
“I was doing OK the second day. I was one over and the wind picked up a little bit and I just got a little bit nervous coming down the stretch, so I need to figure out something to help me get over the nerves because that was actually quite a big event.
”We had the Boys and Girls of America Club come, so they had minority juniors out there and we gave them a clinic. It was big crowd.
“I just have to keep my head about me and maybe get used to some of the pressure of having big crowds watching me again.
“But the game still feels good and I am getting ready for the Moongate Tour and then the Moongate Tour Championship.”
Jones, who picked up his first win on the Gosling’s Moongate Tour in nearly two years at Mid Ocean Club last month, found himself at a disadvantage having arrived in Missouri on the day of the tournament after his travel plans went awry.
“I had a rough flight getting there,” he explained. “My flight got cancelled the day I was supposed to arrive, so I did not have a practice round.
“I actually got there the morning of the tournament without much sleep, but I made it.”