Columnist Victoria Sun: Moore’s run continues at Public Links

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, July 24, 2002 | 9:16 a.m.

Victoria Sun is a Las Vegas Sun sportswriter. She can be reached at victoria@lasvegassun.com or (702) 259-4078.

Following the NCAA Men's Golf Championships, Ryan Moore planned on a relaxing summer at home in Puyallup, Wash.

The UNLV golfer wanted to practice a bunch, but play a limited amount of tournaments.

A few spectacular rounds changed all that.

Winning the U.S. Amateur Public Links last weekend was just the latest feat in what is turning out to be a superb -- if not relaxing -- summer for the 19-year-old.

As Publinx champion, Moore qualifies for the 2003 Masters.

"I would have laughed if you told me that this would happen a month ago," he said. "Not many people get that opportunity. I'm just going to have fun with it.

"I couldn't have told you a month ago what I was going to play in. Then I get the U.S. Open thing which exempted me into the Amateur.

"It's kind of funny how it's all working out for me. This is just crazy."

Moore qualified for his first PGA tournament and major at last month's U.S. Open. He qualified for the Open two days after he finished tied for eighth at his first NCAAs.

But success hasn't altered Moore's humble demeanor.

This week, he is in Spokane, Wash., with younger brother Jason, who is playing in the Washington State Junior golf tournament. Moore caddied for his brother during practice rounds.

"I think he'll be better than me eventually," Moore said. "He's already taller than me.

"I'm not around as much any more so it's nice to have the two of us get away and have some fun for the week."

Next week, Ryan will throw out the first pitch at a Tacoma Rainiers game.

"That will be fun," he said. "I've never done that before."

There have been plenty of firsts for Moore, the Mountain West Conference freshman of the year.

He'll represent the Washington team in the Pacific Coast Amateur in August, then play in the U.S. Amateur Championships later next month.

By reaching the Publinx finals, he also received an exemption into the U.S. Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield, Mich.

"(Winning) Two in one summer," he marveled. "That would be quite a feat."