Leonard's win brings him closer to Ryder Cup berth
By Bobby Hall, Special to PGATOUR.COM
MEMPHIS -- Justin Leonard's playoff victory in the Stanford St. Jude Championship was as stylish as the sleek Seersucker jacket he was presented at the awards ceremony.
He was elegant and focused all week -- right down to his winning 19-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole with Trevor Immelman and Robert Allenby.
But within minutes of wrapping up his second victory at TPC Southwind, his mindset was locked in on another primary goal -- this year's Ryder Cup. And, no, he hadn't forgotten about this week's upcoming U.S. Open.
Leonard has heard that U.S. Ryder captain Paul Azinger has said, "I just want winners on my team." Sunday's victory was Leonard's 12th career win on the PGA TOUR, so certainly he qualifies.
"I played with Kenny Perry the first two days here," he said. "I didn't actually see Captain Azinger say it, but I heard Kenny repeat it. So those words were with me this week."
The victory propelled Leonard, who'll turn 36 on Sunday, into solid standing for the Ryder Cup matches in September at Vahalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky. It's been too long, in his mind, since he's been on the American squad and he's fired up.
"Not that there's been any emphasis lacking in the past, but I mean, you know, after you get drummed enough times, it's time to get it turned around, and I look forward to being a part of that," Leonard said.
"This (win) puts me in great position to make the team, which is something I've been wanting. For the last nine years, I've been looking forward to one."
But before that, there's next week U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, Calif. If Leonard was aware that no winner of an event the week before the U.S. Open has ever won the major title, he didn't mention it.
He'd rather take the positive approach. He finished fifth in February at the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, which, of course, will play considerably different under U.S. Open conditions.
"I don't play there very often," he said. "In February it's generally pretty soft, and plays very long. I did play very well there in February. So I'm looking forward to getting back there and playing the Open and hopefully playing a little bit firmer conditions."
Actually, he was preparing for the U.S. Open in Memphis, and along the way, happened to add the victory, where he first won in 2005.
"When I come and play a week before a major, or an event like THE PLAYERS Championship or a Ryder Cup or a Presidents Cup, the best way for me to prepare is to play well," said Leonard, who had rounds of 68-73-67-68 -- 276 (4 under). "And in my practice session Saturday, I hit probably 30 3-irons and 30 4-woods practicing for next week.
"I knew coming in here that the best way for me to prepare is to gain confidence by playing well and then do those little things in my practice session that I may need. I would say that in that department, I did a pretty good job."
TPC Southwind doesn't have a lot of similarities with Torrey Pines. Grasses are different. U.S. Open rough is much more difficult. Southwind did play firm and fast, like Open courses, and the wind was severe for much of the week.
"But par is a good score (at Southwind)," Leonard said. "You have to come here this week and grind out a lot of pars, and that's certainly going to be part of the task next week."
Sunday's victory was a reward for some major swing adjustments and much work in the last couple of years, Leonard said.
"I know the work that I've put in with (teachers) Randy Smith and Dick Coop and my caddy, Brian Smith, and the support I've gotten at home from my wife and kids and parents and friends," he said.
"And when you can justify to them, you're sharing -- I'm sharing this victory with those people that pushed me to get better."
When Leonard won in 2005 in Memphis, he credited his wife, Amanda, for persuading him to play the tournament. She noticed he'd played well several years earlier at Southwind, and asked why the event wasn't on his schedule. He added Memphis to his plans -- and won.
Asked late Sunday if her suggestion, in retrospect, looked like good advice, and if he'd let her continue to pick his schedule, he smiled.
"I would say since I'm the one actually playing the golf, I've got veto power," he said, still grinning. "But when she makes a good argument I listen."
Considering his obvious zest for the Ryder Cup, a reporter asked, somewhat in jest, if Leonard has been the "missing link" the last nine years.
"Absolutely," Leonard said, causing laughter in the media center -- himself included. "I can't believe you're the first person to bring that up."
In a more serious tone, he added, "I don't know how much of a lock I am, but I feel pretty good about making it. I'm looking forward to being on that team, and I'm looking forward to us winning again soon."
Sunday was definitely a significant step toward making the team.
Get the best deals on the best equipment all at the SHOP.PGATOUR.COM.
WATCH LIVE!
PGATOUR.com is part of the Turner Sports and Entertainment Digital Network