Graham DeLaet wrapped up his golf season on Dec. 9 by placing sixth at the Nevada Open in Mesquite, Nev., to pick up a cheque for $2,750.

"Considering I hadn't played or even looked at a golf club since Q-School a couple of weeks before, I played better than I expected," said DeLaet.

The Nevada Open is a 54-hole tournament with a cut after 36 holes. All of the players who make the cut win a portion of the purse. DeLaet shot a four-under-par 68 in the first round and a seven-under-par 65 in the second round to easily make the cut.

DeLaet's struggles came in the final round when he shot a two-over-par 74 to finish the tournament with a nine-under-par 207, five shots back of the winner. In the final round, DeLaet was battling winds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour, with gusts up to 100 kilometres per hour.

"I have never played in a wind like that," DeLaet said. "The only reason we played that round was because the greens were so slow the ball would stay in place. There were times where we would go up to the ball and be blown away. You would turn to your playing partners and they would be laughing."

As well as picking up a cheque, DeLaet also qualified for an exemption for next year's Nevada Open. This is DeLaet's second time playing the Nevada Open as a professional. Last year he placed 13th and won $1,600.

On Thursday, DeLaet was also named the Canadian Tour Rookie of the Year. He finished the year 13th in the order of merit with $35,776 and was second on the tour for birdies with 221 in 50 rounds played. His best finish was tied for sixth at the Mazatlan Classic and the Canadian Tour Championship.

"This time last year I didn't know what to expect. It is definitely different than being an amateur, playing for money and that stuff. I would have to say that there were some events I should have won, but I am fairly happy with the way this has gone," DeLaet said.

One of the highlights this season for DeLaet was the opportunity to play his first PGA event when he was invited to play in the Canadian Open.

"It was unbelievable, hitting balls with guys I have watched on TV," DeLaet said. "I was hitting balls right next to Jim Furyk. It was probably one of the best experiences in my career."

DeLaet will be taking some time off over the Christmas holidays and will be heading to Phoenix, Ariz., to play golf. Next season he is hoping to hit a few Monday Nationwide Tour qualifiers and try and get his Nationwide card.

"I have talked to several instructors, my agent and Canadian Tour rules officials and they figure I won't be out there (on the Canadian Tour) for very long, which is encouraging," DeLaet said.

DeLaet will be back in action when the Canadian Tour starts up again. The first tournament will begin on Thursday, April 10, with a new event to be announced at a later date.