Justin Leonard has become only the third man to defend the Texas Open championship, winning the tournament by two strokes. Leonard's final round 69 was enough to see off the challenge of JJ Henry and Matt Kuchar, who finished two strokes behind at the La Cantera Golf Club.
Leonard had led the tournament going into the final day, and never looked like losing his grip on the title. Only two players, Arnold Palmer and Bill Mehlhorn, had retained the title, prior to Leonard's win. His final round 69 left him on a tournament total of 266, 18-under-par overall.
The win for Leonard, was some compensation after the cancellation of the Ryder Cup. Speaking after his win he said: "I think it's pretty special to win during this time, and after what's going on and what we've all been through mentally and emotionally the last three weeks."
Kuchar and Henry both missed the chance to record their debut win on the PGA Tour. Bob Estes tied for fourth with Tommy Tolles on 271, ahead of Aussie Steve Elkington and Kaname Yokoo of Japan.
Filed by John Raftery
