Las Vegas veteran rallies to secure PGA Tour card for 2024

Ryan Moore's Road to 2024: Overcoming Obstacles and Securing His Future on the PGA Tour

Las Vegas golfer Ryan Moore often signs off his social media posts with the hashtag #MooreGolfAhead—a fitting sentiment for what’s to come in 2024. After a dramatic fall season, Moore earned his playing privileges for another year on the PGA Tour, ensuring that his journey continues into his 20th year.

A Rocky Start and a Strong Finish

As September arrived, Moore’s chances of keeping his PGA Tour card seemed slim. He was ranked No. 150 in the points standings, needing a spot in the top 125 to secure full exempt status for 2024. But Moore turned things around with a strong finish to the season. A tie for 13th at his hometown Shriners Children's Open in October marked the start of his comeback. He then followed up with a tie for fifth at the penultimate event in Bermuda, before finishing tied for eighth at the season finale in Georgia. That performance propelled him to No. 118 in the rankings, guaranteeing full status for the upcoming season.

The Nerves of a Champion

Securing his playing privileges wasn't easy. Despite his years of experience, Moore admitted feeling the pressure. “I’m not gonna lie, it was close to what I felt trying to win a golf tournament coming down the stretch,” Moore said. “It means a lot. It meant a lot to me.”

His perseverance is especially noteworthy given his ongoing battle with back issues, which have limited his starts in recent years. But in 2023, Moore played a career-high 30 events, a testament to his resilience and improved physical condition.

A New Approach to a Familiar Game

As the fall season approached, Moore made some key changes to his game, including a new caddie and a new putter—an adjustment that paid off. In fact, the decision was influenced by his 7-year-old son, Sullivan. Moore shared the story of how his son helped him choose the right putter. “We had it narrowed down to two or three putters, and my 7-year-old was out there. I asked him, ‘Which one do you like better?’ He walked over, examined them, and said, ‘That one.’ I was like, ‘I’m committing to it.’”

That decision paid off, and Moore’s performance secured him the flexibility to plan his schedule for 2024. Finishing outside the top 125 would have left him with conditional status, limiting his opportunities. “Just being able to plan out your weeks is huge,” Moore said. “At least now I have a little bit of control over the start of my year and the tournaments I’m going to play.”

Reflecting on a Career of Consistency

As Moore turns 41 next week, he’s realistic about his position in the game. “I’m not a guy that’s always up there winning golf tournaments, but I’ve won a handful,” he said. “Just weeks like (Georgia), I feel like I can go out and have a good shot at taking top-10 finishes a lot of tournaments each year.” For Moore, consistency has been the key to a long and successful career.

Atomic Golf and Local Opportunities

While Moore is focused on his own career, other golfers in Las Vegas will have new opportunities to explore. Atomic Golf, a new golf entertainment facility opening early next year near The Strat, is ramping up for its debut. The facility will feature over 100 golf bays, eight putting bays, six full-service bars, and a variety of food options. The company is hiring more than 500 full-time and part-time workers, and interviews can be scheduled at atomicgolf.com.

Additionally, the Southern Nevada Golf Association is hosting a free rules seminar for its members on Tuesday at Wildhorse Golf Course in Henderson. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the seminar starting at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit SNGA.org.

Pro Schedule

PGA Tour Event: Hero World Challenge

• When: Thursday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (TGC); Saturday, 9-11:30 a.m. (TGC), 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, 9-10 a.m. (TGC), 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (NBC)

• Where: Albany Golf Course, New Providence, Bahamas

• Purse: $3.5 million

• Defending Champion: Viktor Hovland

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Ryan Moore

Ryan Moore's determination and resilience have secured his place on the PGA Tour for another year, and as he prepares for his 20th season, he remains a symbol of consistency and perseverance in the world of professional golf. His ability to bounce back from adversity, both physically and mentally, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to the game.

As Moore looks ahead to 2024, he’s not just focused on his performance on the course, but also on the new opportunities arising within Las Vegas, including the opening of Atomic Golf, which promises to become a key player in the city’s golf scene. With more opportunities on the horizon, both for Moore and the golf community in Las Vegas, the future looks bright for the sport in the area.

For Moore, it’s not just about winning tournaments, but about continuing to compete at a high level and enjoying the journey with his family. And with a new season ahead, we can expect to see #MooreGolfAhead in 2024.