Bittersweet cup memories for returning Leonard

By Steve Keating

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Reuters) - Justin Leonard produced one of the greatest Ryder Cup moments nine years ago when he holed a spectacular winning put but the American said on Tuesday he wished he had done things differently.

Returning to the U.S. Ryder Cup squad for the first time since 1999, Leonard recalled his snaking 45-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole in the last-day singles that clinched an astonishing fightback victory for the U.S. over Europe.

The American win was marred by accusations of unsporting behaviour over the three days, culminating in a charge across the 17th green by U.S. players and their spouses shortly after Leonard had holed his spectacular putt.

His opponent Jose Maria Olazabal was yet to complete the hole.

"I would have done it differently," Leonard told reporters. "But I think you have to keep in mind there was so much emotion that day and we had so much momentum going, and unfortunately that spilled over into it.

"I certainly would have done some things differently. I know for myself and for anybody that was on that team, it didn't take away from our victory at all, but I think we all would have done some things differently."

Following years of escalating sniping between the Americans and Europeans, Brookline was a watershed in the Ryder Cup's transformation from a friendly competition to an ill-tempered affair.

Since Brookline the respective captains have succeeded in returning the spirit of sportsmanship to the Ryder Cup and while Leonard regrets the unpleasant scenes, the shot remains one of golf's most memorable.