You would think a three-time WA Open winner and former champion of the game wouldn’t get nervous prior to teeing off at Mount Lawley Golf Club on a Thursday, but this isn’t an ordinary round for Kim Felton.
The 1997 Australian Amateur Champion will dust off his clubs to compete at the 2018 Nexus Risk TSA Group WA Open next week, returning to the game for the first time since the 2014 edition at Cottesloe.
The 43-year-old takes some happy memories into his reunion with Mount Lawley having finished in a tie for fourth in 2013, shooting a final round 68 in the process.
“I thought about it (returning) at Royal Perth last year to be honest,” Felton said.
“I hadn’t really had withdrawals from playing golf after moving into my role with the PGA – which has been fantastic.”
“It was probably the first event I really missed playing. Seeing the old-school setup of Mount Lawley has given me the belief that I can compete, not necessarily to win but to have some fun.”
Felton has pinpointed his nerves as the biggest hurdle in returning to the golf course, but can’t wait for his two greatest supporters to watch him along the fairways of Mount Lawley.
“Probably having a bit of nerves going through the system again – I never really got nervous on the golf course but I reckon come Thursday there will be a few nerves,” he claimed.
“There was a photo that popped up on Facebook from five years ago and she (Felton’s daughter) was two months old, after we finished at Mount Lawley. I had a good round to finish fourth I think.”
“She didn’t see a lot five years ago and she hasn’t seen a lot now – that will be cool seeing her come out for a walk around.”
“To be honest her along with Gem, that’s probably why there will be a bit of emotion.”
The one-time Web.com Tour winner doesn’t have any golfing expectations heading into the week, but will look to make the weekend as a primary goal.
“I haven’t been playing full-time obviously, but your brain still thinks the same as if you were playing all the time,” he mentioned.
“I hopefully will go out there and hit a few good shots and attempt to get to the weekend.”
“I don’t like playing events just to make up the numbers, so it would be good to get four rounds in.”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to move Monday if it happens.”
