UNLV’s Moore grabs lead at NCAAs

Adam Candee

Friday, June 4, 2004 | 9:35 a.m.

His hand is steady through the first three-quarters of his task, but could Ryan Moore possibly feel some nerves carrying a two-shot lead into today's final round of the NCAA championships?

Please. Asked just that after Thursday's outstanding 6-under round of 74, Moore actually yawned while brushing off the idea.

"I've been in this position before," Moore said. "I'm not uncomfortable."

Moore, a junior, is no stranger to pressure-filled rounds after numerous USGA tournaments and stints in the Masters and the U.S. Open. At 9-under after three rounds at The Homestead in Hot Springs, Va., he is poised to claim UNLV's first individual national title since Warren Schutte won it in 1991.

Rebels coach Dwaine Knight understands just what that entails, even if Moore's quiet confidence helps him put aside concerns.

"The pressure's out there to be handled (today)," Knight said.

Moore, who finished eighth at nationals as a freshman, began play today with only a half-dozen golfers in serious contention for medalist honors. That is because he posted the best round of the tournament Thursday to move from a tie for fourth into the outright lead.

"He really played well," Knight said. "It was a lot of fun to watch."

Moore again started out at No. 10 and blistered the back side of the course to shave his score, most notably at the par-5 17th hole. Moore called it reachable, proving his assertion by posting birdies in his first two rounds and again positioning himself to score Thursday by getting on the green in two.

He then drained a 40-foot eagle putt, one of six red numbers he would post on the day. Only a lone bogey at No. 8 prevented Moore from an even better round.

"Just really one hiccup and a lot of great golf," Knight said.

Moore felt nothing really different about his play Thursday -- only that he seized the moment on moving day.

"I just pretty much made all my good opportunities," Moore said.

Moore exuded confidence before heading into one of the most exciting rounds of his young career, in a year that Knight calls "the most consistent of any Rebel golfer" ever.

"I'm not going to go out there and try to play conservatively," Moore said.