Aaron Nickerson brings home NSGA Mid-Amateur trophy

Nickerson was awarded the provincial title at the Clare Golf and Country Club on Sunday, June 22. He played an even-par 71 during the final round to take the three-day tournament.

The trophy is another feather in the cap for Nickerson and the River Hills Golf & Country club, where he’s spent countless hours perfecting his talent.

Glenn Robinson will join him on the provincial Mid-Am team for the under 40 category. Mike Hebb and Robert Collins will represent the over 40 category.

They’ll be playing the Royal Canadian Golf Association Canadian Mid-Amateur Championship Aug. 18-22 at the Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach, B.C.

Nickerson says he’s been working hard at improving his shortcomings – literally translated as his short game.

“My whole career I’ve always battled my putter. The past few years I’ve been improving steadily,” he said.

Last year he tied for fourth in the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship preliminary round in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and made the playoff stage, but got beat out in the first round.

“It was quite an accomplishment just to make the playoff,” he said.

River Hills is earning a name for itself on the circuit with several exceptional players including Jody Swim who took the Mid-Am title at The Links at Penn Hills last year.

“We bring out the best in each other,” laughed Nickerson.

He says he’s looking forward to the NSGA Amateur, which begins July 2 at Lingan.

“The one coming up in the next week or so holds more prestige and a little more meaning,” he said.

Nickerson placed fifth in the event at Seaview last year and took home a third and fourth place in previous years.

He wants to get his name on that trophy, an honour that will put him in the same league as a childhood hero – a man he used to caddy for.

“Richard Dumeah taught me pretty much everything I know. He used to come up to our invitationals as an amateur,” said Nickerson.

“Towards the late 80s he turned professional and started giving lessons and selling equipment. He’s a CPGA certified professional now,” he said.

Nickerson is a resident of Clark’s Harbour and has played at River Hills since 1984.