Marc Leishman on why he’s in the best form of his career
Marc Leishman is shaping as the best homegrown chance to topple star attraction, Rory McIlroy, at the Australian Open starting on Thursday with the 42-year-old declaring he’s playing the best golf of his career.
Marc Leishman insists he’s playing the “best golf” of his career and is inspired for an overdue win in an Australian major by the golden ticket into the Masters on offer at Royal Melbourne next week.
On a day when he again led the local charge at the Australian PGA Championship, the 42-year-old Leishman is shaping up as Australia’s best chance of toppling Rory McIlroy on the sandbelt.
Having lurked ominously on the final day, Leishman (-15) couldn’t collar Spaniard David Puig (-18), who led an international one-two at the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland on Sunday. China’s Wenyi Ding (-16) finished second.
It was the third consecutive year Leishman has finished third in the Australian PGA Championship.
Leishman’s attention will immediately turn to the national championship, which will offer the winner a coveted spot at Augusta National, and the top three finishers not already exempt a spot at The Open Championship.
“If you can have a good week, it can mean a lot and save a lot of stress,” said Leishman, who is not qualified for any of the four majors next year due to playing on LIV Golf.
“For everyone in the field, the carrot is going to be dangling. When you’re out there it’s something you might think about coming down the stretch on Sunday.
“I’ve been to the Masters a few times and contended there. Hopefully it’s a little less pressure knowing I’ve been there and done it … and it works out in a good way.”
Having started the final day as part of the cluster on top of the leaderboard – 14 players were within three shots of the pace – Leishman looked the best of the local chances midway through the final round before signing for a four-under 67.
His momentum halted with a bogey on the 14th hole, and Puig was ice cool after an early birdie blitz.
“Momentum was there and that is definitely the hardest tee shot on this golf course,” Leishman said. “I’ve struggled with it over the years. I’m glad I don’t have to hit that tee shot for another year.
“The story of the week was missing, I wouldn’t say short putts, but makeable putts. Everyone in the field could probably say that.
“A little frustrating, but the signs are really good for next week. I’m playing some of the best golf I’ve ever played, driving it good, irons are good, putter feels great so hopefully I can make a few putts next week.
“I love Royal Melbourne and I’ve played well there before. Golf’s fun when you’re playing well and giving yourself birdie opportunities.”
Min Woo Lee (-14) threatened to be a contender on the final day but could only muster a closing two-under 69, while Adam Scott posted the same score to finish solo seventh at 13-under.
Leishman’s LIV Golf teammate Lucas Herbert and PGA Tour winner Karl Vilips will be the other Australians who skipped the Australian PGA Championship to peg it up at Royal Melbourne.
Originally published as Marc Leishman on why he’s in the best form of his career
Surprise leader as Smith, McIlroy suffer mixed day at Aussie Open
