Justin Leonard pulls in lowest score of the year at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic
Justin Leonard, a veteran PGA Tour golfer, pulled in a stunning nine-under, 63 on the second day of Children’s Miracle Networks Hospital Classics, to clinch share of the lead in the $4.7-million event. 39-year-old Leonard played fearlessly on Friday, at
the Disney's scenic Magnolia & Palm Courses · Lake Buena Vista, Fla. He was more than convinced that he will be retaining his tour card for the next whole year regardless of his performance in the event until he was informed that there could possibly be a
mistake in records concerning his playing status.
"I did call the TOUR a couple months ago and asked about my status. I'm exempt for next year, so I'm not playing with that kind of pressure," Leonard said in his press conference. "I don't know how, I just am. I gave the same look to the telephone. `How
is this guy still exempt?'"
The speculations were later laid to rest when finally official at Ponte Vedra Beach headquarters was able to go through the yearly records to ascertain that Leonard actually does hold a playing exemption for the year 2012 awarded to him for his victory at
the Open Championship in 1997. He later won five events on the tour calendar in the course of time to be able to extend his playing card tenure. Leonard was also in contention for the Children’s Miracle Networks Hospital Classics title in 2009 when he was
eliminated on the first playoff hole in the final round.
In share of the lead along with Leonard, is the overnight leader Bio Kim and rampaging Swede Henrik Stenson, both scoring rounds of seven-under and eight-under on the second day. Kim is poised at 168th on the Money List and will need a strong
finish to avert going back to the Qualifying School.
"I'm not afraid of q-school, because I'm only 21 and I've got a lot of things to do and a lot of tournaments to do," Kim said.
The young South Korean has been facing difficult fitness problems and has undergone heart surgery just recently. He fainted at the Wyndham Championship in August and is a patient of chronic irregular heartbeats.
Stenson, who is making his first appearance in the event, scored a round of eight-under, 64, which is also the lowest score of his career.
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