Barnes in the hunt despite lack of course knowledge

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Ricky Barnes didn't play the entire course before his first round on Thursday -- but that didn't hurt his game.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- You might have difficulty making Ricky Barnes believe that course knowledge is critical for anyone who expects to contend at the Verizon Heritage. Barnes entered this week's tournament having played only nine holes at Harbour Town Golf Links, yet he's definitely among the list of contenders.

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Barnes wasn't involved in the Wednesday pro-am. He didn't arrive in town until Tuesday night, and was able to sneak in a quick nine holes. "I went into Thursday playing the front nine blind," he said. So much for the "Know the Course" Theory.

The lack of local knowledge hasn't hurt Barnes, who has posted three rounds in the 60s. The 66 on Saturday included birdies on four of the final seven holes and left him tied for third at 9-under 204 and in a position to contend for his first win on the PGA TOUR.

Barnes is playing for the fifth consecutive week and is coming off a tie for 10th at the Masters. He claimed to be mentally fatigued after the Masters and said he was "completely out of it."

So Barnes relied on the tree line of the golf course and the sage advice of caddie Ray Farnell to help guide him around a layout that has baffled many players.

"I had to trust my caddie a lot," Barnes said. "I'm telling you, I didn't really walk it. I think I saw two holes on the front nine. Other than that, I just kind of trusted my caddie."

The plan has worked, so far. Barnes is 5-under on the front nine for his three rounds. Accuracy hasn't hurt Barnes, either. He ranks 10th this week in fairways hit and has been able to stay aggressive off the tee.

"You'd better hit it straight," Barnes said. "If you're driving it well and you're decently aggressive off the tee and get it rolling, you shouldn't have too long of shots. I've been able to manage the wind and the trees pretty well so far this week and that's led to good distance control with irons, and I've put myself in the right spot on the greens."

Barnes said he's limited his practice time this week, particularly after the round. He's not returned to the range after finishing, hoping to give himself one less thing to worry about.

"I've been playing this week and actually just kind of shutting it down right after," Barnes said. "Because of that I feel like I'm swinging well. I don't want to find anything on the range that I want to work on. I'm going to look forward to going out tomorrow and ending a great five-week stretch."

Barnes, the 2002 U.S. Amateur champion, is playing his second full season on the PGA TOUR. He's made the cut in nine of 10 starts and has two top-10s. His best career finish as a professional was a tie for second at the 2009 U.S. Open.

Stan Awtrey is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily reflect the views of the PGA TOUR.