Columnist Victoria Sun: Gamez at peace with life, golf

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, July 31, 2002 | 11:03 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

There is a calmness in Robert Gamez's voice, one of contentment and confidence.

For the first time in years, the Las Vegan is calm, content and confident about his golf game. And about his life.

"It's been fun," he said while waiting for his plane to take off the day after he finished second -- his best showing since 1997 -- in the John Deere Classic Sunday. "Actually, it's been kind of better than it used to be."

A week before the Deere, Gamez tied for third at the B.C. Open.

"Over the last month and a half, I've just putted very well," he said. "My swing has come back to where it was way back before my (June 1998) car accident.

"My confidence is coming back and I think that's what the difference is."

There have been other changes in his life.

"It's been nice," Gamez said. "I've got a couple of good places to play golf here (in Florida).

"The good thing is, Adrian has helped me with my putting, but (Paiute director of golf) Dick Huff is still my teacher. He has been my teacher since I was 14. What Adrian has taught me has reinforced what Dick talks about, so everything is working together."

At this time last year, Gamez was in the midst of a nasty slump, missing 11 consecutive cuts. He finished the 2001 season 175th on the money list with $193,525 and was forced to go to Q-School in an attempt to retain his exempt status.

It's safe to say Gamez already has avoided that fate this year. He earned $324,000 at the John Deere Classic, bringing his season earnings to a career-high $672,343. He's No. 62 on this week's money list.

Woody Austin was the last player to avoid Q-School last fall, earning $406,352 to finish 125th on the 2001 money list.

Other locals who have all but secured their tour cards are former UNLV golfers Chris Riley (52nd on the money list with $778,937), Skip Kendall (71st, $605,272) and PGA Tour rookie Chad Campbell (74th, $601,159). Las Vegan Bob May is 114th with $355,447.

"It's a really nice relief to have the winter off and not have to go to the Fall Classic as they call Q-school," Gamez said, laughing.

"I'm just looking forward to the rest of the year. Not only am I confident I can win one, but I don't have to worry about getting my card. It's a lot easier to play without that in your head."

Next on his agenda is the Buick Open, where he can qualify for the PGA Championship with a victory.

Beyond that, Gamez is uncertain where he'll play next, because he doesn't have fully exempt status on tour this year.

"I've written all the tournaments for exemptions," he said, sounding amused at the whole ordeal. "I'm waiting to hear from all the rest.

"I'm hoping to get an exemption into the (Las Vegas) Invensys Classic. I just go out and play each week.

"It would be nice to know where I'm playing next so that I can make plane reservations. But if I have to wait until the last minute, it's OK."

It shouldn't be long before his cell phone rings with a tournament director on the line.

Foursomes for the 18-hole tournament are $2,500 and individual spots are $650. Entry fee includes admission for player and a guest to the draw party at the Hard Rock Hotel Aug. 25, breakfast before play and an award luncheon after play. Call 242-3018 for information.