Andrade returns in better shape

Andrade wants another large share of the $4.5m purse

Billy Andrade returns to the Invensys Classic looking to repeat the success he enjoyed 12 months ago.

The 37-year-old American won the Classic after enduring one of his worst seasons on the professional circuit.

A year on, Andrade is chasing an end of season top 30 place and a spot in the Tour Championship. Another good showing at the 90-hole event will enhance his chances of achieving both goals.

Andrade will be joined in Las Vegas for the five days by a host of big names, including Mark Calcavecchia, Stewart Cink, Tom Lehman and Sweden's Jesper Parnevik.

  Invensys Classic courses

TPC at Summerlin
Par 72 - 7,243 yards

TPC at the Canyons
Par 71 - 7,063 yards

Southern Highlands GC
Par 72 - 7,381 yards

The field of 144 professionals and amateurs will play the first three days in teams of four, with one professional in each team.

During those first three days, each team will play at each of the courses in use at the Classic.

On Saturday, the field is cut in half, and Sunday is reserved for professionals only. The weekend rounds take place at the host TPC at Summerlin.

"There's a lot of pressure on me, a different kind of pressure from a year ago, but I still need to play well to get into the top 30," Andrade said on the eve of the event.

Second life

After making only 10 cuts in the 28 events ahead of the 2000 Classic Andrade admits that it it was a case of "backs against the wall".

Andrade now reflects on that victory as his rebirth in the golfing world and he returns in better shape both "mentally and financially".

"You have got to find a way to survive, to get through, to make money nad keep your job. It was a difficult situation," Andrade said.

"But my second life in my career has taken off nicely.

"I'm consistently hitting the ball better and my quality is better."