Tuesday, June 14, 2005 | 10:39 a.m.
Ryan Moore, the world's top-ranked amateur golfer, has chosen to turn professional the week after the U.S. Open.
Moore, the most decorated student-athlete in UNLV history, has accepted a sponsor's exemption to the Barclays Classic on the PGA tour at Westchester Country Club in Harrison, N.Y., June 20-26.
"I knew the decision would be around this time," UNLV golf coach Dwaine Knight said. "I think it was a hard decision between turning pro and having a real shot at getting his tour card, or playing in the British Open."
By turning pro Sunday night after the scheduled completion of the U.S. Open, Moore forfeits his exemption to play in the British Open.
"We are excited that Ryan has chosen the Barclays Classic as the place to start his professional PGA tour career," Barclays tournament director Peter Mele said. "We expect Ryan to be competing on the PGA tour for years to come."
As a senior at UNLV this past season, Moore completed one of the most accomplished college careers in golf history.
In May, he was given the Ben Hogan Award, presented annually to the nation's best college golfer. He also won the 2005 Nicklaus Award, given annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division I golf, as well as the Golfstat Cup, earned by turning in the lowest yearly scoring average in NCAA events.
The four-time All-American won the U.S. Amateur crown, the NCAA Championship, the U.S. Amateur Public Links title, the Western Amateur and the Sahalee Players Championship.
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