The last eight Maine Women’s Amateur Championships have each tested Abby Spector’s golf skills. In seven of those eight, including last year at Boothbay Country Club, Spector prevailed as the champion. Only a tough course (Sugarloaf) and an even tougher opponent (Alyssa Hayes) derailed Spector’s run at eight straight wins.

This year, there may not be course records on Spector’s agenda. There may not even be many birdies. But there will be a signature – her signature – at the bottom of a scorecard. That alone might be enough to incite a round of applause from the rest of the field and those gathered to watch.

“It’s incredible just to be out there,” Spector said. “A lot of people are saying that they can’t believe I am even out there, and then there are others that are asking if I can win.”

Last fall, during what doctors described as a “routine” procedure to repair a tiny hole in her heart, something went wrong. Spector collapsed shortly following the surgery and was in intensive care for an extended stay. In March, she wrote a general letter via Natanis Golf Course’s website saying that her vision was nearly back to normal, and that she would resume playing three holes at a time until she was strong enough to play a complete 18-hole course.

On Monday, with the help of a motorized cart, the 24-year-old champion will compete in her 13th consecutive WMSGA State Tournament, teeing off in the first group with perennial contenders Pennie Cummings of Springbrook and Lori Frost of Penobscot Valley.

“I am going to be playing out there with some great ladies,” Spector said. “They will make this that much more fun for me.”

The fact that the tournament is being played at Waterville Country Club made the decision to play easier for Spector, who lives in Waterville.

“The fact that I can sleep at home helps,” said Spector. “It’s so close to home and it was my home course for a while, too, so I know it well.”

As the defending champion, despite a handicap listed at 17 (the highest of her career in this tournament), Spector will be in the first group off the first tee on Monday morning.

“We gave her the option,” said Waterville professional Don Roberts. “She said she wanted to play in that spot. Honestly, I don’t think she’ll be playing at a 17 handicap by the time she tees off tomorrow, though. She knows the course and I would be willing to bet something in the high 70’s would be about right.”

Spector, meanwhile, is also cautiously optimistic about her chances.

“I can’t believe people are asking me if I am going to win,” Spector said with a shy laugh. “I could go out there and shoot 100, I could shoot an 80, I just don’t know. I am a little nervous.

“Of course I want to win. But I am just going to be happy to get out there and play in this event.”