Golf: Defending champ seeks magic

Today Whangarei's Kadin Neho will attempt to defend his New Zealand Amateur Championship in Nelson. Photo/John Stone

Northland amateur Kadin Neho has been working hard on his game in preparation for his title defence of the New Zealand Amateur Championship this week at the Nelson Golf Club.

The 18-year-old from the Whangarei Golf Club made history last year at Manawatu when he became the first Northland player to win the title in the 120 years of history in the event.

Neho withstood a late charge from Tasman golfer Ryan Chisnall to win the final 3 and 2 and etch his name into the golfing record books.

Now one year on, Neho is looking to find the magic that made him irrepressible on his way to the most prized trophy in amateur golf in New Zealand and a member of the National Development Squad.

"It will be a good challenge returning as the defending champion and I haven't played the Nelson Golf Club before so I am looking forward to it," said Neho.

Neho is looking to become the first golfer to win the NZ Amateur trophy consecutively since Terry Pulman (The Grange) who won the title back-to-back in 1976 and 1977 at New Plymouth and Russley.

"I am working hard to get my form to back to where it was, hopefully better. It has been a bit of a battle this year but things are looking up. I haven't really thought about the idea of defending. There isn't too much expectation on me with how I've been playing."

Neho has had a forgettable start to the 2014 campaign and he explained his plight.

"It started as a swing thing and then it got into my head and I couldn't find any confidence. I am hoping that a few good rounds should turn it around as I am a real confidence golfer."

Neho said winning the title in 2013 was a huge turning point in his career.

"It meant a lot to me and for my family and for Northland Golf. They were all really happy and proud of me. It was a big achievement. I found a bit of form and confidence after that."

He said he is looking forward to the match play contest which suits his game.

"It is more competitive. It is more one-on-one and the better golfer is going to win on the day. If you are putting well and your short game is good then you can be successful."

Meanwhile in the women's championship, Wellington golfer Julianne Alvarez will look to back up her emotional win at Manawatu.

The NZ Amateur Championship includes two qualifying rounds to find the top 32 qualifiers for men and women in the match play phase.

The final two golfers will compete for the trophy on Sunday in a 36-hole final at the Nelson Golf Club.