UNLV’s Anderson heads corps of locals

Victoria Sun

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000 | 1:27 a.m.

This was not the week Jeremy Anderson expected to make his professional debut.

Since the three-time All-American and three-time academic All-American graduated from UNLV in May, he has been hoping to receive sponsors' exemptions at several PGA Tour stops. But things didn't work out the way he planned.

Perhaps things worked out for the best.

Anderson has received a sponsors' exemption into the $4.25 million Invensys Classic that starts on Wednesday and concludes Sunday. The 90-hole tournament will be played at the Desert Inn, TPC Summerlin and Southern Highlands.

"I'm very excited," said Anderson, a Las Vegas resident. "When I think about it, what better way to make my debut than in Vegas?

"I remember going to the tournament in 1996 when Tiger (Woods) won and I was a freshman at UNLV. I've been looking forward to playing in it ever since. It's going to be a great honor for me to represent Las Vegas."

He is one of eight professionals in the tournament with local ties. The other local residents are Bob May, Craig Barlow, Ed Fryatt, Robert Gamez and Chris Riley. Riley, Fryatt and Michael Kirk are also former UNLV All-Americans and Skip Kendall is another former Rebel entered in the tourney.

"I would expect good things from all the local guys out here," Barlow said.

Anderson has spent most of the summer in Las Vegas practicing and improving upon his game, but hasn't played in many tournaments.

He finished in the top 10 of the NCAA championships this past year and holds school records for the lowest career scoring average, season scoring average and UNLV's record for low round, 63, set at the Savane All-American Classic in 1999. To prepare for the Invensys Classic, he played a qualifying round of a Buy.com Tour event two weeks ago to get mentally prepared for tournament play.

"I had a layoff which is a bit different for me," Anderson said. "Still, I have very high expectations; I expect myself to play well here.

"Then I've got PGA Tour qualifying school in three weeks."

Avoiding Q-School will be in the back of Barlow's mind as he plays in Las Vegas. The top 125 players on the money list keep their tour cards for the next year while the others without tour exemptions must earn their cards at Q-School. At press time, Barlow was 143rd on the tour money list with $240,072. Gamez was 141st with $248,567.

"A couple of good weeks are all I need," Barlow said. "I have a couple tournaments left.

"The clock is ticking, but I am trying not to put any added pressure on myself. I am trying not to get caught up with my position on the money list or being one of the hometown kids and stay focused at what I need to do on the course."

Barlow's opening round 61 last year was good enough for the lead. He finished 15 strokes behind eventual champion Jim Furyk.

"It's the most important tournament besides a major for me," Barlow said. "The tournament has always meant so much for me.

"I was a sign-bearer for it, I worked for the Las Vegas Invitational before I went on tour. If I could win one tournament on the tour besides the majors I'd want this one."