UNLV alumni back on the links at PGA tourney

By Brett Okamoto

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 | 2 a.m.

Despite the fact that PGA pro Ryan Moore has played in numerous tournaments at TPC Summerlin, the former UNLV golf star came up blank when asked about a specific memory of the course.

“We played here quite a bit in college and it’s nice knowing the course,” Moore said. “But nothing too memorable, unfortunately.”

For Moore, as well as three other former Rebels golfers, this week’s Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open at TPC Summerlin gives them another chance for a memorable moment at a course that feels like home.

“It’s nice to come back home. This doesn’t feel like a golf tournament. This feels like just going out there and playing with some friends,” said Charley Hoffman, who graduated from UNLV in 1999. “The more knowledge you have of the course, the better … Even the stress of knowing what street to turn on to get here, so it’s nice.”

UNLV alums Chad Campbell and Chris Riley are competing for the $738,000 winner’s share, which will be handed out Sunday. With that kind of money, a celebrity Pro-Am Wednesday and a trophy presentation from Justin Timberlake himself, the week ahead has the potential to be as memorable as their stint with the Rebels.

“It’s a nice bonus, the fact that I get paid to do it this time around,” Moore said. “There’s a little different mindset there than when you’re just playing with your buddies, trying to get a spot on the team for the week. But it’s still the same game, it’s still golf and that’s how I’m going to approach it.”

While many players spent a long practice round Tuesday working over the course, for others, TPC Summerlin was old hat.

“You’re not too panicked about getting out there and figuring the course out,” Moore said. “It’s just another day. I feel like I can just show up and play this weekend and not over-think it too much.”

Several of the former Rebels have found time to spend with friends living in Las Vegas, including their former coach, Dwayne Knight, who is still in charge of the golf program at their alma mater.

“I talk to Dwayne all the time,” Hoffman said. “I played a practice round with one of Chris Riley’s buddies this morning -- it’s nice to get back together with those guys.”

Moore, who now lives in Seattle, even found time for a trip to his favorite sandwich shop.

“I went straight to Capriotti’s. Had to get my favorite sandwich, which is my favorite of anywhere, anytime,” Moore said, adding, “there’s a couple buffets you have to hit up while you’re here, fun stuff like that.”

The rest of the lineup, which boasts the likes of PGA legends Zach Johnson, Rocco Mediate and Mike Weir, aren’t wasting their chance to enjoy all the excitement of a celebrity-packed event, either. Even after 17 years in the PGA, John Daly said the excitement is still there.

“I still get the butterflies on the first hole every Thursday,” Daly said. “It’s great.”