Moore remains hot at NCAAs

Adam Candee

Thursday, June 3, 2004 | 9:37 a.m.

To hear his coach tell it, Ryan Moore's ability to envision his shots and invent ways to get out of trouble on the golf course is one of his best assets.

Dwaine Knight's star pupil needs every bit of that creativity this week during the NCAA championships at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va. Moore shot an even-par second round of 70 Wednesday to remain at 3-under through the first two days of the tournament, good for a three-way tie one shot behind a trio of leaders.

"I think he played two really solid rounds," Knight said.

He was scheduled to begin his third round early this morning, alongside Kansas State's A.J. Elgert (-3) and Wake Forest's Bill Haas (-2). The trio -- all playing as individuals -- is together for the third consecutive day.

Moore actually went to 6-under early in Wednesday's second round with three birdies on his first eight holes. But a three-putt at No. 18 -- his ninth hole -- began a five-hole slide where Moore gave back those three strokes.

"When he missed the green, he didn't seem to get up and down to keep the momentum going," Knight said.

Still, given the stormy weather that tainted Tuesday's opening round and steadily increasing scores across the field Wednesday, Moore is continuing his outstanding spring season by minimizing mistakes on another tough nationals track. At just 6,679 yards, The Homestead does not daunt with its length, but with its guile, especially on the tricky greens.

"The course is pretty darn tough," Moore said. "It's not really long, but it's the longest short course I've ever played. You've got to be mindful all the way around it."

Moore's best numbers are coming on the back nine, where he has recorded all but one of his birdies. Moore has played Nos. 16 and 17, the course's two statistically easiest holes, at 4-under through two rounds.

"The back side has a couple of reachable par 5s," Moore said. "I always like reachable par 5s."

The Rebels finished 11th at the West Regional in Sunriver, Ore., missing nationals for just the third time under Knight. The tournament concludes Friday.