Justin Leonard was born on June 15th, 1972 in Texas, USA. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he roomed with Harrison Frazar. He played in the Walker Cup in 1993 and a year later was the NCAA Champion. In the same year he decided to turn pro.

He won his first event the Buick Open in 1996 and a year later shot a final round 65 to win the Open Championship. He came close at the US PGA Championship later that year finishing 2nd. Since then Leonard has added another seven tour victories to his name.