ASSOCIATED PRESS
Robert Gamez followed his shot out of a bunker off the 18th fairway during yesterday's third round of the Sony Open.
Success came so quickly for Robert Gamez, you wonder if it was a gift or a curse for the former Ko Olina touring pro, who finds himself tied for third entering today's final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii. Gamez trying to bring back
the magic of ’90
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Opening hole foils Gossen's shot at winBy Paul Arnett
parnett@starbulletin.comFresh out of the University of Arizona in 1990, the Las Vegas native won the first tournament he entered on the PGA Tour. Gamez followed that stunning victory at the Northern Telecom Tucson Open with an equally electrifying feat. He knocked in a 7-iron from 176 yards for an eagle 2 at the 18th to defeat Greg Norman by one shot at the Nestle Invitational.
In 1989, Gamez won the Fred Haskins and the Jack Nicklaus awards, given to the outstanding collegiate golfer. He and Arizona State rival Phil Mickelson went down to the last round at the NCAA championship in Oklahoma City before Mickelson prevailed.
One year later, he was the PGA's rookie of the year. But unfortunately for Gamez, that turned out to be his highlight season. Over the next seven campaigns, Gamez produced six second-place finishes, but was never able to get back into the winner's circle. In 1998, a car accident that badly injured his wrist sent him to the back roads of professional golf. For four years (1999-2002), he plied his trade without a tour card.
But while those around him wondered if he would ever regain the form that took him to the pinnacle of the PGA some 13 years ago, Gamez never lost the confidence that had him predicting he would win on tour when he was a 17-year-old junior at Clark High School in Las Vegas.
A second-place finish last year at the John Deere Classic and a tie for third at the B.C. Open allowed him to pocket enough money to finish 85th on the money list and earn his first exemption on tour since before his accident.
"That second at the John Deere was huge for me," said Gamez, who earned $807,892 in 2002 to nudge his career earnings on tour to $3.76 million. "I knew then that I'd probably get my card back, which helps so much in planning.
"It was a hard road back for me, but I never lost the belief that I could still play this game. It's all about confidence."
Gamez spent the previous three months fine-tuning his putting and his short game. He finished 12th on tour in putting last year and 14th in overall driving. Those kinds of numbers reflect what Gamez can do when he puts his game together.
"I feel like I worked harder in this offseason than I ever have," Gamez said. "I've matured a lot over the years and understand what it takes to be successful out here. I love this course. I always have. I think I can score on it.
"I wish I was a little closer to the leaders. But maybe I can go out, post a low number and see where it takes me. I missed a putt on 16 that somehow came out. It threw me for a loop, but overall, I feel like I'm putting very well."
Gamez is 10-under and tied with fellow Americans Chris DiMarco and Briny Baird with 54-hole totals of 200. Australian Aaron Baddeley is in first at 195 with South African Ernie Els two shots back at 197. Like Gamez another lifetime ago, Baddeley is trying to win his first official PGA Tour event.
"That win was very special," Gamez said. "But that's way back there. I'm excited about this coming season and feel like I have the kind of game to be competitive out here once again."
Sony Open
