THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 9, 1994 TAG: 9407090357
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
His pedigree may be as pure as a Westminster Kennel Club blue-ribbon winner - reigning NCAA champion, former U.S. Amateur titlist. He even dates Lanny Wadkins' daughter.
But in Justin Leonard's eyes, he doesn't even rate rookie status.
``Somebody called me rookie the other day,'' Leonard said following rounds of 67-69 in the Anheuser-Busch Golf Classic. ``I told them, `I'm not even a rookie yet. I'm a sub-rookie, about as low as it gets.' ''
And he's being treated like a sub-rookie everywhere he goes. Take the Greater Hartford Open two weeks ago.
Fresh off a record-setting performance at the NCAA championships, Leonard arrived at the TPC at River Highlands and told parking guards he was there to play in the tournament. Chuckling under their breath - the baby-faced Leonard looks all of 19 - they directed him to three different lots, none of which are for players.
``I finally just parked,'' Leonard said. ``It may have been in Massachusetts.''
With clubs in hand, he had to hitch a ride with a repairman who was doing electrical work on the course.
``I get to the clubhouse and see the other players getting valet parking,'' Leonard laughs. ``You want a story, follow me on a Monday. Everywhere I go it's the same thing.''
It was no different at the Anheuser-Busch. In his third tournament since turning pro, Leonard was turned away by the parking attendants.
``They're just looking for that (PGA Tour) money clip,'' Leonard said. ``Usually by Tuesday I can get by them with a small story. But then I couldn't even get into the Pro-Am tent to eat. Dave Stockton Jr. had to get me in.''
And to think, they could be treating the next Anheuser-Busch champion like a gate-crasher.
Leonard is seven shots off of Bob Lohr's leading pace at the halfway mark of the tournament, but only three golfers stand between Lohr and Leonard.
And Leonard is capable of shooting an exceptional round, as he did in the NCAAs final round, when he shot a 10-under-par 62 to finish 17-under, both NCAA records.
The kid - he turned 22 three weeks ago - can play. The four-time All-American's collegiate record rivals those of fellow University of Texas alumni Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite.
While still an amateur, Leonard played eight professional events in 1993, including the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open. He made the cut in five of those events, including the U.S. Open, and would have cashed checks totaling $23,501 had he chosen to forego his amateur status.
Instead he waited, intent on completing his NCAA eligibility before turning pro.
After missing the cut at Hartford, Leonard finished tied for 26th at last week's Western Open, earning $8,880.
``I haven't seen the check,'' Leonard said. ``I guess they mail 'em to your house. But it's fun to know I finally have some MONEY THAT'S MINE!''
His expression turned somber: ``It'll go to pay bills.''
Without a Tour card - Leonard will attend qualifying school this fall - he's spending the summer playing on sponsor's exemptions.
If golf needs a breath of fresh air - goodness knows this sauna known as Kingsmill could use one - Leonard is ready to pucker and blow.
While a slew of agents were willing to sign Leonard for up-front money and worry about lining up endorsements as soon as possible, Leonard decided against such a course of action.
Instead, he signed with Richmond-based agent Vinny Giles, whose player stable includes Kite, Wadkins, Davis Love III, Mike Hulbert, Beth Daniel and Donna Andrews. The understood agreement was that Leonard would earn his keep.
``I didn't think that's what it's about,'' Leonard said. ``I want to make my money through playing good golf.''
His wardrobe Friday was proof. While he's been receiving all kinds of shirts and pants in the mail lately, he sported some old stand-bys.
A pair of faded yellow pants.
``I think this was from the World Amateur championships,'' he said.
A plain white Polo shirt.
``I think this was from the Walker Cup matches. I'm trying to dress as light as I can this week without looking like a nurse.''
Except for the fact that the pants were full length - a PGA Tour mandate - Leonard could have walked into the gallery and blended in. There was no Ashworth golf shirt, no Aureus slacks.
The only telling hint that he might be a pro golfer was the Hogan visor.
``I have a week-to-week deal with Hogan,'' Leonard said.
And, for now, he has a week-to-week battle with the parking attendants. ILLUSTRATION: ROBIE RAY/Staff
Fresh-faced Justin Leonard has trouble convincing PGA Tour parking
attendants that he rates a spot in the player lot. He does.
by CNB