Aussie golf star Marc Leishman obsessed with mowing his lawn
Aussie golf star Marc Leishman tuned up for next week’s Presidents Cup by getting out a lawnmower at the MCG. He reveals the strange obsession is all part of his ‘therapy’.
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Marc Leishman is obsessed with his lawn. When he’s home at Virginia Beach in the US, he cuts it nearly every day.
He uses different mowers and strategies to perfect the big stretch of yard which has the look and feel of a putting green. The Aussie golf star calls it his “therapy”.
A video of his love for lawn shot went viral earlier this year.
But with winter closing in in America, Leishman hasn’t been able to get to his lawn, which has gone dormant.
“When passion meets inspiration, an obsession is born.†– Anonymous
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 19, 2019
Introducing @MarcLeish, his lawn and his never-ending pursuit of perfection. pic.twitter.com/EClVRQdMaL
So the Richmond fanatic, back in Australia for the Australian Open and next week’s Presidents Cup, jumped at the chance to get his lawn-mowing fix at the mighty MCG.
Leishman even took his time to get the lowdown from ground staff on how to get the perfect “stripes” for his lawn when the sun comes out again at home.
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‘TURN PRESIDENTS CUP INTO THE ASHES’
Friendly fist bumps which became unfriendly fist thumps from heavy-handed home town fans in New York two years ago stirred the emotions of Marc Leishman to turn the Presidents Cup tables at Royal Melbourne.
After International teammate Adam Scott urged locals not to cheer Tiger Woods and his star-studded team USA next week, Leishman likewise wants the visitors to be made to feel uncomfortable.
There’s a line no one wants crossed but the genial Aussie also knows there’s only way to get the type of support which could help the Internationals break a run of seven straight defeats.
“The Americans had a massive home field advantage. Some of the things we get done to us (at Liberty National in 2017) was not very nice, “ Leishman said on Monday.
“In the first round in New York you are walking between holes and kids have got their hands out giving fist bumps and there are a couple of guys punching your hand. That’s the stuff we deal with.
“I’m not saying do that. But that’s what we deal with and we want home field advantage.
“Get loud. You almost want it like Australia versus England in the Ashes. Be respectful, but be supportive.
“But that comes back to the players as well ... if we’re not making birdies, and not winning holes, it’s impossible. We have to get off to a good start.”
Leishman played Royal Melbourne on Monday afternoon, his first look at one of his favourite golf courses for over 12 months. It’s a layout which gives another advantage to him and Scott.
The American team boast half of the world’s top 10, and only two players outside the top 20.
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But there are also six Presidents Cup debutantes, and the same number have never played in Australia.
“There are definitely going to be guys who haven’t been in this situation ... where the crowd is not right behind them, and playing out of America,” Leishman said.
“On paper they do have a stronger team, but we have the best chance we have had in the last few years for sure.”