February 2, 2009–Las Vegas PGA Tour pro Charley Hoffman narrowly missed winning his second PGA Tour event over the weekend at the FBR Open in Arizona. He lost in a playoff to eventual champ Kenny Perry, but had several chances to win in regulation and in the playoff. Hoffman, who got married in January and lives in Las Vegas, knew he had the win right in his hands but several putts wouldn't fall. "Obviously I didn't get it done," said Hoffman. "Kenny gave me a few opportunities, I gave him a few opportunities, and he happened to close the door … I gave myself a few chances on 16, 17, 18, they just happened not to fall. Obviously in the playoff Kenny and I got in some trouble off the tee on 1, then I had my chance on 18, then I had my chance on 10 and didn't do it." Click now for COMPLETE RESULTS.
Hoffman was one of three golfers with very strong ties to Las Vegas who had opportunities to win at the FBR. PGA Tour rookie Scott Piercy was in sole possession of the lead early on the back nine and played in the final group with Perry. But he started driving it crooked and fell back to the pack with several bogies down the stretch. Piercy, a Las Vegas native, ended up in a tie for sixth with former UNLV All-American Ryan Moore, who stayed around the leaders all day but couldn't come up with his first PGA Tour win.
Las Vegas is the World's Ultimate Golf City, and was very well represented during the CBS telecast throughout the round as Piercy, Moore and Hoffman collected a ton of airtime. The PGA Tour now moves to San Diego for the Buick Open. Hoffman grew up in San Diego, and is always ready to play in his hometown. Hoffman earned $648,000 for his runner-up finish while Piercy and Moore earned $194,250 each. Watney collected $117,600, while Campbell made $35,500 and Wilson earned $12,540. Las Vegas is home to more than 60 golf courses, designed by some of the best architects in the game including Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and many others.
"My short game won me some money today," Piercy told Don Ketchum of the Arizona Republic. "Thank goodness for that. I chipped and putted OK, but in some ways, I played the worst that I could . . . so. if you would have said I would finish sixth, I would be happy. This will definitely help me later on." Piercy also noted that Perry told him he was playing in the FBR for the 22nd time, while also noting that this event was Piercy 23rd PGA Tour event … total.
Moore was the 2004 National Champion while attending UNLV, and lived in Southern Highlands, a prestigious Las Vegas community, for several years after his time at UNLV ended. The Arizona Republic noted that Moore is now living in the Scottsdale area, making him that area's top finisher in the hometown event. Moore also collected a few comments about his wardrobe choice from the commentators. Moore wore a vest, a shirt with open collar and loose fitting tie, and a painter's-type hat, all without logos. CBS' David Feherty said that it looked like Moore "Had walked through a thrift shop and left with whatever stuck". That was pretty Harsh because Moore was making a nice statement and it was a cool break from the PGA Tour routine.
Other Las Vegas golfers who competed in the event included resident Nick Watney, the second-round leader who fired a career best 63; Former UNLV All-American Chad Campbell who who finished in a tie for 32nd; resident Dean Wilson who finished in a tie for 66th; and resident Alex Cejka and native Tommy Armour III, who both missed the cut. The PGA Tour now moves to San Diego for the Buick Open. Hoffman grew up in San Diego, and is always ready to play in his hometown. Hoffman earned $648,000 for his runner-up finish while Piercy and Moore earned $194,250 each. Watney collected $117,600, while Campbell made $35,500 and Wilson earned $12,540.