Ryan Moore Finally Captures First PGA TOUR Victory

(Ryan Moore after capturing the 2009 Wyndham Championship)

Back in 2004, Ryan Moore had one of the most consistent and dominating seasons in the history of amateur golf. Yesterday, five years later, Ryan Moore finally played to his true potential on the PGA TOUR while capturing the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro, North Carolina in a playoff over Kevin Stadler and Jason Bohn.

Prior to his maiden victory, Moore had played rather inconsistently since joining the TOUR in 2006. However, with four runner-up finishes on the TOUR in the past four seasons, Moore surely appeared destined to obtain a PGA TOUR victory, sooner rather than later.

Only five years ago, Moore was viewed as a rising star in golf with enough natual talent to eventually become one of Tiger Woods' rivals, after he dominated amateur golf by winning some of the most prestigous tournaments in the amateur ranks. However, since then, Moore has often been criticized for his lack of PGA TOUR wins, as critics have believed that "close calls" are simply not acceptable for such a naturally talented golfer like Moore, especially after Moore's 2004 season - arguably one of the greatest amateur seasons in the history of golf.

Moore won the following tournaments during the summer before his senior year at UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) -

• U.S. Amateur


• Western Amateur


• U.S. Amateur Public Links


• NCAA Division I Championship


• Sahalee Players Championship

Finally, Moore can now add a PGA TOUR victory to his already stunning resume. However, there is no telling just how much Moore can accomplish now that he has finally broken his winless streak and has tasted victory on the PGA TOUR. As Moore has shown in the past with his victories in the U.S. Amateur and the NCAA Division I Championship, as well as his top-ten finish in this year's U.S. Open, he can perform well under pressure in the greatest tournaments in the world.

Moore should be viewed as a contender in golf's major championships in the years to come, as he hopes to add a U.S. Open victory to his win in the U.S. Amateur. As one of the most talented golfers on TOUR, Moore has the potential to win multiple major championships if he is able to maintain his current desire for success. There is no reason for anyone to expect him to lose his desire for dominance now, especially after lifting his first PGA TOUR trophy.