Justin on his match with Jose Maria
Olazabal
"After the 13th hole, I realized that it was possible
for me to come back and win the match even though I still
trailed by two holes. I felt I had the momentum and just
two holes prior I was probably at the lowest point in
my golf career. I was definitely motivated to answer some
of the critics and knew I was a better player than I was
showing. I just wish it hadn't taken me until the 12th
hole on the final day to show it." |
1999 Ryder Cup
The Setting
Entering the 12 singles matches on Sunday, the U.S. Ryder
Cup Team trailed the European squad by a seemingly insurmountable
four-point margin. In order to regain the Ryder Cup lost in
1995 and 1997, the Americans would need to win nine of the
12 matches - something that had never been accomplished in
Ryder Cup history.
Winning the first six matches, the U.S team regained the
lead and set the stage for an epic comeback. With two matches
left on the course, and the U.S. needing one-half point, Justin
trailed Jose Maria Olazabal by four with seven holes to play.
In the other match, Payne Stewart was locked in a battle with
Colin Montgomerie he would eventually lose by a margin of
1-up once the Cup was secured.
A day earlier, NBC broadcaster Johnny Miller, was outspoken
in his criticism of Justin's play in the event, going as far
as to say Leonard should "go home and watch on television."
With seven holes to play and still struggling, Justin would
launch one of the greatest comebacks in Ryder Cup history
to secure the event for the U.S. Key stats and moments
- Played second shot to par-4 No. 12 from 225 yards short
of green and made par to win hole.
- After Olazabal hooked his tee shot on No. 13 under a tree,
Leonard made par to gain momentum and in his own mind "take
control of the match" despite trailing, 2-down.
- At No. 14, Leonard makes birdie from 10 feet and Olazabal
missed from eight feet for a "huge swing."
- A birdie from 35-feet at No. 15 following an Olazabal
miss squares the match.
- Facing a 45-foot putt for birdie with two holes to play,
all Leonard needs is a tie in the match to clinch the Ryder
Cup for the U.S. In what U.S. Captain Ben Crenshaw described
as "a putt that defies imagination," Leonard provides
the event's defining moment and lasting image.
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