Leonard can pass into Troon history

But maybe it is time for bygones to be forgotten, for memories to mellow. In the week of the 133rd Open Championship at Royal Troon, galleries on this side of the Atlantic really should start warming to a much maligned American.

After all, it was on these windswept links in 1997 that Leonard claimed his one and, so far, only major.

The subsequent rage at the Ryder Cup has tended to overshadow his stirring fightback from five shots behind Jesper Parnevik going into the final day.

It has become convenient, too, to forget how Leonard then made one of the most gracious acceptance speeches at the presentation of the old Claret Jug.

He made a careful point of appreciating the contribution to his moment of glory made by everybody from Royal and Ancient officials to the groundsmen, rivals Parnevik and Darren Clarke and even Barclay Howard, the British winner of the amateurs' silver medal.

The memory of the moment when Leonard had to pause to fight the onset of tears remains with him.

Recalling it he said: "It seemed as though standing on the 18th green at Royal Troon in the late afternoon, shadows holding the Claret Jug, everything had come together.

"I'll always remember the emotion I experienced when my thoughts turned to my family, friends, teachers, golf competitors and history. All the experiences that I had gained from each of those seemed to meet in that place at that time on the 18th green.

"Maybe they were bottled up in that silver jug and I was rewarded with the feeling of being at the centre of all those things that I wanted, worked for and dreamed about."

Has there ever been a more unusual, or humble, victory banquet than the one ordered up by Leonard that night?

He said: "We took a few pints out and sat on the 17th eating pizza and drinking beer. There was me, Corey Pavin, my caddie Bob Riefke and two kids from the family my caddie was staying with.

"No one recognised us. In fact, it was so dark I don't think anyone apart from the bartender knew we were out there."

Leonard really does possess an appreciation of what The Open stands for.

Indeed, a week after 52 of his countrymen couldn't be bothered to turn up for a qualifying round, even though it was held conveniently on their doorstep in Washington, it is worth considering what he was prepared to endure at a time when attempting to gain entry to the tournament meant flying the Atlantic for possibly no reward.

He said: "Qualifying was tough. You had two days and you definitely felt it.

"It wasn't like driving down to Austin in Texas and qualifying for the US Open, because if you missed it there you just hopped in your car, drove to McDonald's and then headed home.

"But I put the expense and the travel to one side.

"It never really crossed my mind not to go. For me it was almost a privilege to be able to try to qualify."

Still not convinced that Leonard really is one of golf 's good guys? Then how about this: he even named his white labrador puppy Troon's Magical Sunday in honour of his Open win.

Reluctantly, Leonard accepts that in some quarters he will forever be regarded as a one-shot wonder for sinking that putt.

"I would like there to be more to it than that," he said. "But in a lot of people's minds that's what they will remember me for."

Ominously, Leonard is plotting his revenge on those sorry souls and it doesn't involve a second win at Troon this week.

He revealed: "I want to represent my country again. I'd love to be on the Ryder Cup team this year."

They have been warned.