Mike Delaplain was living in Temecula, Calif., and a couple guys in his golf group talked about playing in the World Amateur Handicap Championship but were never able to make it to the tournament.
Fast forward 15 years and Delaplain is now a long-time resident of the Grand Strand, but he hadn’t fulfilled his dream of playing in the World Am.
Until this year.
“I knew about it when we were living in Temecula and it was the DuPont,” he said. “I always wanted to do it but never had the opportunity.”
So what changed this year?
“I game him permission,” Delaplain’s wife said with a laugh.
Regardless of the reasons, Delaplain is ready to tee it up, playing once a week for the last nine weeks in preparation. His biggest concern entering the event is the same demon nearly every participant faces: nerves.
“I just want to go out and play golf and not be nervous,” he said. “Just hit the ball and play.”
So how is that plan working out less than 24 hours from the start of the first round.
“I’m already nervous,” Delaplain said.
After a long wait, he will be in good company Monday morning.
