Leonard Shares Lead in Texas Open

Justin Leonard is making himself right at home in the Texas Open.

The former University of Texas star shot a six-under-par 64 on Thursday for a share of the first-round lead with Loren Roberts, Mark Wiebe and Mike Sposa.

“It’s a little early to be thinking about it, but it would be great to get a victory here,” Leonard said. “But for right now, I’m just happy I’m off to the start that I got today.”

The 1997 British Open winner finished second in the Texas Open in 1995 and 1998, and secured his tour card in 1994 with a 15th-place finish in the tournament.

“This tournament has certainly helped my career quite a bit,” said Leonard, who missed last year’s tournament because of the Ryder Cup. “It’s nice being close to home. Everyone wants to know what I think about the football team.”

Leonard started on the back nine and was three under after six holes. After a bogey on the par-three third hole, when his eight-foot putt for par lipped out, he finished with three consecutive birdies.

Wiebe, who hasn’t won since 1986, closed with four consecutive birdies on the La Cantera Golf Club course.

Sposa, playing in his second year on the PGA Tour, shot his best round of the season. His best finish overall was a tie for seventh at this year’s Shell Houston Open.

Roberts, who won the Greater Milwaukee Open in July, eagled the first hole and birdied No. 16 to create the four-way tie.

Blaine McCallister, the 1991 Texas Open champion, was a stroke back with Craig Barlow, Len Mattiace and Brian Watts.