Golf-Memphis victory gives Leonard Open boost for Cup

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, June 8 (Reuters) - American Justin Leonard gave himself a perfect boost for next week's U.S. Open, and the Ryder Cup in September, by winning the St. Jude Championship in a playoff on Sunday.

The 35-year-old, who has not played at the Ryder Cup since holing a 45-foot putt to seal victory for the U.S. at Brookline in 1999, clinched his 12th PGA Tour title at the second extra hole.

After squandering a one-stroke lead with two regulation holes remaining at the TPC Southwind, Leonard edged out Australian Robert Allenby and Masters champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa with a 19-foot birdie putt.

"I knew coming in here the best way for me to prepare is to gain confidence by playing well and do those little things in my practice session that I may need for next week," Leonard told reporters after sealing victory at the par-three 11th.

"I would say in that department, I did a pretty good job. I feel like I've been playing some pretty good golf for the last eight, nine months but you can't always justify changes and good play with results.

"When you can, when you win a golf tournament, you have to really hold on to that feeling and take a lot of satisfaction.

GREAT POSITION

"And this puts me in great position to make the Ryder Cup team," he added, referring to the Sept. 19-21 showdown with Europe in Louisville, Kentucky. "For the last nine years, I've been looking forward to one.

"I don't know how much of a lock I am but I feel pretty good about making it."