RENO - Chris DiMarco had a lot of fun Thursday during the first round of the 12th annual Reno-Tahoe Open.
The first reason is that he shot a 5-under-par bogey-free 67. The second is that is son, Cristian, was on his bag.
"This is the first week he's ever caddied," said the elder DiMarco. "I had a great time out there.
"I have a good friend of mine that actually caddies for me now. My kids actually call him Uncle Ryan. He hadn't been home in a while, so I told him to go home and see his wife and that I would bring Cristian and let him caddie."
Family members caddying for DiMarco is nothing new.
"I won in Abu Dhabi with my wife on the bag. I won in 2001 (Buick Open) with my brother on the bag, so I've had a lot of success with family on the bag. I don't know if it relaxes me; makes me feel more comfortable out there or what. It was about the coolest thing I've done on the golf course to have my son sitting right there next to me."
DiMarco said that he usually does his own yardage even with his own caddie, but said his son caught on quickly.
"I want my other caddy to do it too (figure out the yardage) in case we make a bad yardage we can catch something.
"He's a good player; a 3 or 4 handicap, so he can read greens. We were able to read the greens well together."
On No. 8, DiMarco was going to use driver on the 464-yard par-4. His son suggested a 2-iron, which dad promptly spanked down the middle of the fairway.
"It was the right play off the tee," DiMarco said. "I like the fact that he's not out there scared. He wants to talk to me. Ultimately I'm going to make the decision, but it's nice that he speaks up and has an opinion about it."
FISCHER ON TARGET
Todd Fischer, who grew up in the Bay Area and has lived in Reno, shot a 3-under-par 69, including an eagle on No. 5
Fischer has been playing on the Nationwide Tour this season and was given a sponsor's exemption.
"I was pretty nervous," said Fischer, who was playing in his first PGA event of the year. "This is pretty much my one shot and I'm thankful for everybody that supports me here in town and gave me a start.
DUNCAN'S STUDENTS
Tom Duncan, the owner of Dayton Valley, Kiley Ranch and Wolf Run golf courses, has a passing interest in this week's RTO.
Two of his former players - Rich Barcelo and Carlos Concha, are in the field. Both played for Duncan at the University of Nevada.
Concha qualified on Monday with a 7-under-par 65 at Hidden Valley Country Club to make the event.
Barcelo has played in 15 events this year, making the cut seven times. He tied for 31st at both the Honda Classic and the Shell Houston Open.
Barcelo fired a 1-under-par 71 on Thursday, while Concha was 2-over-par after five holes and finished with an 80.