Summerlin course shapes up as a perfect fit for Fernandez

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, April 19, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

Vicente Fernandez's steady climb up the Senior PGA Tour's money list each year is no accident.

The defending champion of the $1.4 million Las Vegas Senior Classic finished 18th on the money list in 1996, 17th in 1997, 12th in 1998 and ninth in 1999.

Entering this year's tournament that starts Friday at the TPC at Summerlin, Fernandez is 12th on the money list with $281,010. His best finishes so far have been second at the Royal Caribbean Classic and a tie for sixth at last week's PGA Senior Championship.

If there's one thing Fernandez has figured out during the time he has been on the senior tour, it's that working out off the golf course is just as important as practicing on it.

Fernandez's routine consists of fitness in the gym, golf in the morning and afternoon and exercising in his hotel room at night.

"The guys who are in good shape, in the best physical shape, are the ones that do the best," he said. "So if you show up in good shape, you'll do very well."

To keep mentally sharp, Fernandez does breathing exercises.

"I find it really helpful when I'm coming down the stretch to win a tournament or if I'm not doing too well because breathing exercises help me keep calm," he said.

Fernandez is still working toward earning his first victory of the year and Las Vegas might be the place he will do it. Three of the 11 players who have won the Senior Classic have successfully defended their title.

Last year, Fernandez' final day 67 for a four-day 274 total gave him a two-stroke victory over Dave Eichelberger.

"My iron play was very good," Fernandez said. "My swing and iron play was very sharp.

"I also putted very well. What really stands out was I hit a lot of good shots."

Fernandez thinks the changes made to the tournament also will help.

Last year, the Senior Classic was a four-day tournament that rotated between TPC at The Canyons and TPC at Summerlin. This year, the event has been shortened to three days and will be played solely at Summerlin.

"I was very glad to hear that," Fernandez said. "The other course was very difficult, very demanding and very tiresome.

"I much more enjoy playing at Summerlin. I've played well there in the past. It's a very fair golf course."

When he won the tournament, Fernandez, a native of Argentina, was surrounded by family and friends who made the trip to watch him. He calls them his lucky charms and said they will be here again this year.

"The week was special and fun because some of my friends played in the pro-am," he said. "It made a difference because I felt like I was at home. I enjoy the city and love the restaurants in Las Vegas."