‘Can Still Win This’: 26 Years After His Valiant Effort, a Legendary Golfer Relives a Life Changing Incident From the Open Championship

In the history of major championships, there have been few players who have exhibited exceptional performance and one among them is Justin Leonard, the 1997 British Open Champion. By all means, it was one of the greatest comebacks to date in a major championship.

 26 years after his valiant effort, the 51-year-old legendary golfer relives a life-changing incident from the British Open Championship in 1997. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to know what turned the tide in his favor.

Justin Leonard reveals how chat with Barbara Nicklaus made a big difference

In a podcast interview shared by Siriusxmpgatour on Instagram, Leonard opened up candidly about his performance and the life-changing incident prior to the final round. Entering the last round of the 1997 Championship, Leonard was behind by a margin of five strokes when he shot a third-round 72. By recalling the pivotal moment, the interviewer asked whether the player ever thought he had any chance of winning. Justin relived the experience at dinner after the third round, revealing his state of mind.

“Well, on Saturday night, I was at dinner by myself, kind of licking my wounds. Not in a great headspace, really. And Jack and Barbara Nicklaus were there. And Barbara Nicklaus actually walked across the restaurant. I saw her coming towards me, and she just smiled as she was walking towards me. And she leaned down over my shoulder and she said, Justin, you can still win this. Now go out there and do and like that right there,” Leonard said.

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Jack Nicklaus, one of the greatest golfers of all-time with a record 18 major titles to his name, and wife Barbara Nicklaus are philanthropists at present and lifelong supporters of the well-being of children across the world. Leonard emphasized that Barbara Nicklaus’s words completely changed his mindset and gave him a renewed sense of determination and resolve. 

Justin Leonard’s incredible performance at the 126th Open Royal Troon, 1997

In the 126th Open Championship at Royal Troon 1997, some players were doing better than Leonard in the lead-up to the final round. He was fully aware that to win the prestigious Claret Jug he had to do something completely out of the ordinary in the final round.

In line with that, the American golfer recorded a remarkable 65, six-under par. Leonard looked terrific all through the day, making significant strides with birdies on the 16th and 17th holes. This outstanding performance propelled him to a total score of 12 under par, securing him a three-shot lead over Darren Clarke and Jesper Parnevik.

Following that Justin Leonard shared an unforgettable memory that he had with his caddie. “And walking off the 18th green, my caddy, Bob Rifeke, put his arm around me.I said, well, how’d we do? He says, well, you’re leading by two. And I figured I was right there, but I wasn’t completely sure, so that was a nice little surprise. It was one of those Sundays I’ll never forget.”

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