Moore wins final round but not Byron Nelson title

2008-04-27

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By Andrew BothPA SportsTicker Golf Writer

IRVING, Texas (Ticker) Former U.S. Amateur champion Ryan Moorewas the best player in the final round at the Byron NelsonChampionship on Sunday, but it wasn't good enough to win.

Moore, who started the final round three strokes behind leaderAdam Scott, shot the best score of anyone in contention, astellar 2-under-par 68 in strong northerly winds at the FourSeasons TPC.

A renowned iron player, he used his unusual swing to make threebirdies in four holes around the turn, and took the lead withjust one hole left with a clutch birdie at the par-3 17th.

But Moore, with one hand on the trophy, could only watch asScott birdied the 18th hole to force a playoff.

As if that wasn't enough, the Australian subsequently sank a50-foot bomb at the third extra hole to condemn Moore to hisfourth runner-up finish on the PGA Tour.

He is still seeking his first victory, but it surely won't belong if he keeps playing like this.

"A loss is a loss, but I tied for first at the end of the day,"Moore said. "That's better than I've ever done. I was proud ofmyself for battling around on a tough day in tough conditions.This is a new experience, a playoff, and now I know what toexpect in the future."

Moore was clearly the best amateur in the country in 2004,winning not only the U.S. Amateur, but also the NCAAChampionship and the prestigious Western Amateur.

He has made solid progress in his three seasons as a pro,improving his position on the PGA Tour money list each year.

And he probably would have made more headlines by now if not forinjuries to his left hand and shoulder that have hampered himthe past couple of years.

"Some injuries and what-not have held me back at times but maybethat's given me the time to work on things I need to win moretournaments in the long run," he said. "I'm where I am right nowand I just went head-to-head against one of the best players inthe world, and he had to make a 45-footer to beat me. That's agood place to be."

Time will tell if Moore is to be the next great American player,but a few more performances like this and the jury will becloser to a decision.