Justin Leonard greets the day before most people have even considered hitting snooze. His mornings kick off between 5:30 and 6 a.m., but golf isn’t the first thing on his mind. He dedicates nearly an hour to meditation, laying out his intentions and getting his head in the game for the day ahead.
Once he’s centered, it’s time to tackle his next task—walking the family’s four dogs—ensuring they’re ready before the kids rush off to school. After the daily dog-walking ritual, Justin focuses on his fitness routine. In his home gym, he carves out over an hour for a solid workout before settling down for a late breakfast. If Scout, his most spirited dog, needs another jaunt outside, Justin happily obliges. Only then does he wave goodbye to his wife and set off for the links.
At the golf course, it’s all business for the next four to five hours. While time on the range is important, Justin knows the real benefits come from actually playing on the course, even if it’s just a few holes. As he explains, he finds that being on the golf course sharpens his focus. For Leonard, it’s not just about striking the ball; it’s about mastering shot shapes, controlling distances, and keeping his competitive edge finely honed.
### The Reality of the Senior Tour
Before jumping into the Senior Tour, Leonard had been broadcasting for NBC, so he had a decent idea of what the tour entailed. However, it wasn’t until he covered a Senior PGA Championship in Washington, D.C., for the first time that reality truly hit him.
Arriving late on a Tuesday, he assumed the range would be winding down. To his surprise, nearly 40 players were still diligently practicing. That sight made him realize, “This isn’t just a victory lap. These guys are working their tails off.”
Now in the thick of it himself, that same commitment resonates strongly. Despite what some might believe, there’s no coasting on the PGA TOUR Champions. It demands daily hustle and dedication to stay at the top of your game. Legendary players like Bernhard Langer, KJ Choi, and Ernie Els are certainly not easing up anytime soon. And for Leonard, the path begins every day before the sun rises.
### What’s In the Bag?
If you’re curious about the specifics of Leonard’s gear these days, check out our in-depth Justin Leonard WITB article for all the details.
