Robert Gamez:
Rededicated and Ready to Shine

By Scott Behmer,
Senior Writer

	Robert Gamez

TUCSON, AZ - In 1990, in his inaugural PGA Tour start, Robert Gamez won the Tucson Open and became only the PGA second player to win his first Tour start as a card-carrying member. A month later Robert followed up on his Tucson win with a victory over Greg Norman at the Bayhill Invitational, sinking an impossible 176-yard 7 iron from the #18 fairway to win by one.

The sky seemed the limit for this former University of Arizona All-American. However, a severe dislike of practice and a number of off-course distractions felled the rising star to his current non-exempt status on Tour after finishing outside the top-125 on 2000's money list. Gamez appears, though, to be regaining some of his old game, and made a solid showing at the 2001 Touchstone Energy Tucson Open.

At the Tucson Open, Robert seemed excited about the new Tour season. "I just feel great right now. I'm so pumped to go play. It's a whole new attitude for this year, and I'm looking forward to the next year," he remarked.

Further, he's not worried about his Tour status. "I was in the veterans member category last year behind where I am at now. I played 26 tournaments. I think I'm going to play 15 to 20 events this year."

• John Daly: Finally at Peace • Past Tucson Open Coverage • Course Review: The Gallery Golf Club • Omni Tucson National is Quiet Beacon of PGA Golf

Fuzzy Zoeller, who provided consulting services on the layout, would go on to win the 1993 Las Vegas Invitational, the first held here at Summerlin. He commented on the course, which hosts both the PGA event and the Senior Tour Las Vegas Invitational noting, "It's large enough to accommodate a major tournament and still it appeals to the average golfer."

Large, strategically placed mounds abound in the fairways and rough, adding an uncommon challenge for most players. Baranka and water loom ominously, collecting errant shots and making the player pay for a mistake. Natural amphitheaters surround most greens, creating a more intimate feeling. And those bent-grass greens roll very true, perfect for great putters.

The TPC at Summerlin also features a large driving range and deluxe short game practice facilities. This par 72, 7,243-yard layout would appear to be a long hitters delight, but recently it's been the short hitters with their hot flat sticks who have finished the tournament with the winner's check. Jim Furyk won in 1998 and 1999; Billy Andrade captured the title last year.

From the tee, you'll want to aim out at the right side fairway bunker and hit over the baranka. If you find the baranka, you'll have no chance at reaching the green in two.

From the fairway, you're left with about 180-190 yards over a sparkling blue lake. Then, if your approach is on the slope in front of the green, say adios to your Titleist. Once on the green, you'll be left with a slick putt running near 11 on the stimpmeter.

After your round, enjoy one of the delicious entrees in either the clubhouse or restaurant. In the past, you'd probably have had a better chance of finding Gamez here than on the range.

Commenting to me several years ago about his practice habits, he confessed, "I like to hit about 25 balls a day." With Robert's rededication however, there's a good chance that if he's not on Tour one week, you can find him out at one of the practice areas and not at the clubhouse.

Robert Gamez's rededication is clearly evident in his excitement to play a full Tour schedule and the time he's spending on improving his game. However, only time will tell if this former rising star can once again find that game and be a force on the PGA Tour.

TPC at Summerlin
1700 Village Center Circle
Las Vegas, Nevada 89134
(702) 256-0111
Round: $165
www.pgatour.com

Scott Behmer is the Southern Arizona Bureau Chief for GolfArizona.com. He can be reached at scott@travelgolf.com