 Moore is the hottest amateur prospect in years |
Ryan Moore makes his professional debut at this weekend's Barclays Classic at Westchester, having been the most talked-about amateur since Tiger Woods. Moore came to prominence in 2004 when he emulated Jack Nicklaus' achievement of winning America's top four amateur titles in a calendar year.
"I've looked forward to this for a long time," said Moore, who now cannot play at the Open as US Amateur champion.
"I'd have liked to play at St Andrews but I felt this was the right time."
As US Amateur champion, the 27-year-old would have qualified for St Andrews, but instead he has chosen to make his professional bow in a $5.7m tournament where Sergio Garcia starts as red-hot favourite.
In his last 19 rounds at the course, Garcia has scored par or better and beat Padraig Harrington and Rory Sabbatini in a play-off to win last year's tournament.
Chris DiMarco, Kenny Perry and Vijay Singh are also in the line-up, with Singh returning to the scene of his first career success, in 1993.
Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els all miss the tournament to prepare for the Open, which starts on 14 July.
MMIX
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