There are few people happier to be at the 2023 World Amateur Handicap Championship than Roy Adkins.
While everyone is looking forward to the 40th playing of the event, Adkins is less concerned about the milestone and just grateful to be here. After playing in the event for five out of six years, the Liverpool, England native was unable to play in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 World Ams due to Covid-related travel restrictions, leaving him to follow the results online.
“I was watching from afar,” Adkis said. “It was depressing, but I kept in touch with a few of the guys I met over the years.”
He arrived in Myrtle Beach on August 23, providing time to adjust to the time change and even more importantly, South Carolina’s muggy weather.
“Getting used to the heat is the biggest challenge,” Adkins said of his return to the United States. “I found a place that sells electrolytes. Hopefully that is the key.”
As part acclimating to life in the American South, Adkins played a practice round at River Club to get used to the conditions and scout his opening round layout. Off the course, there was no need for adjustment time as he immediately made new friends at the Sheraton bar.
Adkins played in the World Am for the first time in 2014 and, aside from missing in 2016 for hip replacement, he was here every year through 2019. He won his flight in 2015 and despite battling an ailing knee his goal for this year is simple.
“To win,” he said with a smile when asked what he wanted to accomplish.
After Round 1 at River Club, Adkins is T-25th but there is still plenty of time to make a run.
