Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_27 (to_par INTEGER, player VARCHAR, total VARCHAR)

### Question ###
What is the highest to par number for Justin Leonard when the total is less than 297?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT MAX(to_par) FROM table_name_27 WHERE player = "justin leonard" AND total < 297