Grant County News
grantky.com
By Ryan Naus, sports writer
After 36 holes, it came down to a putt on the 18th green for Jeremy Martin.
With the swing of his putter, Martin took first place at the Northern Kentucky Men’s Amateur on July 9 at Lassing Pointe Golf Course in Union.
Martin shot 136 to earn first place in the championship flight, shooting 70 on the first day and 66 on the second day.
“It felt pretty good,” Martin said. “I’ve been working hard lately, practicing a lot. I’ve been trying to fine tune my game and I’ve been playing some good golf. It finally paid off.”
“When I tapped in, I didn’t know what to do. I walked over and gave my dad a hug. I felt a lot of joy that a lot of hard work had paid off.”
Martin was confident throughout the tournament, believing in himself and his game.
“I was in control of my game all week and during stroke play, I felt in control and always knew I’d have a chance to win,” Martin said. “My ball-striking was the best part of my game. My short game was pretty good when I needed it to be. I didn’t make very many putts, but when I needed to, I made them. It makes me pretty confident that under the gun, I’m able to pull through and hit the shots when I need to.”
Martin’s dad, Todd, caddied for his son during the tournament and for Jeremy, it was reassuring to have his dad by his side during his final pressure-packed putt.
“It was pretty nice to have him there. He’s the one who taught me how to play and knows my game pretty well. He was just as nervous as I was, but was happy for me when I won,” Martin said.
Martin was familiar with the course, having played matches there in high school and practicing there during the college season.
“It helps a lot because I know some of the spots that you don’t want to be. Knowing what to hit off what hole helped a lot,” he said.
Representing Northern Kentucky University last year, Martin won two tournaments, the NKU Invitational and a tournament in Springfield, Ill., winning each tournament by one stroke.
“I feel pretty lucky,” he said. “Maybe next time, I’ll be able to win by more than one, but a win’s a win. I think I still have a lot more room to improve. My putting definitely has to get better. When I’m playing well, I know I can shoot five or six under par. When I’m playing bad, I need to be able to fine tune my game and get my game back on track.”
Martin was glad to bring the traveling trophy back to Eagle Creek Country Club.
“It was good to bring it back,” Martin said. “It’s been about 15 or 20 years, but it’s good to bring it back to Eagle Creek.”
Martin followed up the men’s amateur by defending his title at the Eagle Creek Club championship. Martin is the son of Todd and Elizabeth Martin of Dry Ridge.
Zach Wright, son of the Kevin and Jennifer Wright of Dry Ridge, placed fourth in the second flight with a score of 79.
Published July 16, 2009
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