WEST BOXFORD – With a couple of young children, Colin Brennan, the competitive golfer, sees life differently these days.
“It used to be, get out of work, go work on my game,” said the 35-year-old Brennan, a former Eagle-Tribune Golfer of the Year at Andover High back in 2006.
“These days, I’d just rather go home and be with the boys.”
Still, golf remains the only avenue to assuage the burning, competitive fire that drove Brennan to excel not just on the links but on the ice for the Warrior hockey team.
And on Tuesday and Wednesday, Brennan harnessed that energy and drive, nearly winning the North Shore Amateur Championship for the second time in his career.
The 2012 champ shot 72-74 – 146 (+2) to claim second place in the 50th North Shore Am here at Far Corner Golf Club.
For Brennan, who now lives in Pelham, N.H., but still plays out of Indian Ridge Country Club, the performance was encouraging.
“You always want to win, but I’ve honestly played poorly this year, I guess for a variety of reasons, lack of practice, getting older,” said Brennan. “So, it’s good to play two solid rounds, be in contention. Hopefully, I can use it as a springboard.”
Brennan knows he’ll need to turn the page, perhaps, as the boys get older. But for now, this is where he wants to be.
“I love it. Honestly, there are days I wish I didn’t. It would be easier to just play casually once a week. I’d rather do this without full preparation than just play a bunch of casual golf.
“But I just like the butterflies and all that. It’s all I have left in terms of real competition.”
Brennan was the top area finisher in the field, closing out three shots off the pace set by champion Shuvam Bhaumik.
An annual challenger in the event, Bhaumik broke through and won an event he considers quite special.
“When I first moved to Boston, I lived on the North Shore, and Bobby (Flynn) was always kind enough to let me play in this event,” said Bhaumik of the North Shore Am.
“Every year I want to play in it, because it’s obviously one of the best events around. Obviously, this year is a little more special.”
Flynn, who owned Far Corner and nurtured the North Shore Am just as his father, Bill, did before him, tragically passed away this past winter.
“(Tuesday), on the first tee, I’m not a very religious man, but I said a few words for him,” said Bhaumik. “I’ve been playing very well this year, but I think it was a little more sentimental-wise, I had Bobby behind me today.”
Riding that emotion, Bhaumik carded a sparkling three-under par round of 69 to claim the title for a two-day total of 74-69 – 143 (-1).
“Obviously, it’s very special to win it this, year. It’s the 50th anniversary and in honor of the Flynn Family,” said Bhaumik. “I putted really well today, I drove it really well today. I just didn’t get into trouble. Here, if you can keep the ball in front of you, you’re going to score.
“I always love coming here. This place fits my game. I’ve been top five here several times, second a few times. This was the first time getting over the hurdle, so it was nice.”
Sam Lyman and Damon Lusk tied for third at 148 (+4), while Michael Hersey and Terry Manning were next at 150.
Salem Country Club’s Kevin Daly won the Senior Division with a two-day total of 74-78 – 152, seven shots better than Patrick Maloney.