Hope (and Some New Sticks) Propel Leonard
Posted January 30th, 2005 by Erik J. Barzeski
Justin Leonard, playing in only his second tournament with his new Nike equipment, earns victory, breaking a 22-month dry spell for the 1997 Open champion.
Justin Leonard, who signed with Nike only 25 days ago and who missed his first cut with Nike equipment at last week's Buick Invitational, today shot 5-under 67 to capture the 2005 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic at 28-under 332.
Joe Ogilvie, who led the tournament after four rounds, remains winless after six years on tour. He shot a closing-round 73 and finished T2 with Tim Clark at -25, three back. Ogilvie joked "The rain dance didn't work. I was trying for a rainout today, but that didn't happen."
Said Leonard of this victory, his first in 22 months since the 2003 Honda, "it will inspire me a bit, knowing that one is not enough. I've been sitting on eight wins for almost two years, and it's nice to get a ninth." Leonard had only three top-10s last year and finished 42nd on the money list with $1.5 million. He failed to qualify for the Tour Championship for the first time since joining the PGA Tour.
As the last two Hope champions went on to capture the Green Jacket of Augusta, Leonard may now be the odds-on favorite to capture the Masters.
Photo Credit: © Nike
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Posted 30 Jan 2005 at 10:28pm #
I bet a collective sigh of relief went up from the people at Nike with Leonard's win this weekend, after the MC at Torrey Pines. It's good to see him back in the winners circle.
Posted 02 Feb 2005 at 9:57am #
Justin Leonard, using new Nike equipment, has gone and won a tournament already!
Posted 05 Feb 2005 at 9:47am #
Philly Mick ties the course record at 60 and vaults into the lead at the Phoenix, errr, FBR Open with youngster Kevin Na.
Posted 04 Apr 2005 at 6:44pm #
Everyone's heard the PGA's slogan "These guys are good," but with the NHL locked out and NBA ratings falling, just how far can the PGA go?
Posted 30 May 2005 at 9:14am #
Justin Leonard shoots a horrible 73, but eeks out a win in the FedEx-St. Jude Classic for his second win of the year.