Marc Leishman aims to carry the momentum from an impressive Presidents Cup debut into the new-look US PGA Tour season starting on Thursday.
With a new, non-calendar year schedule coming into effect this week, the world’s premier golf tour gets underway with the Frys.com Open at CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, California.
At a time when most top players are usually looking forward to a break, Leishman just wants to keep playing.
“I am playing well and I always like to play the first event of the year to get a head start,” said Leishman.
“While my form is good it makes sense to keep going.”
He is joined in the field by fellow Australians Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Steven Bowditch, Scott Gardiner, Geoff Ogilvy, John Senden and rookie Bronson La’Cassie who got in off the alternate list.
Leishman put together a two-win two-loss record against the super-strong American team at the Presidents Cup in Ohio, rounding it off by beating world No.8 Matt Kuchar in the final day singles.
He also impressed observers with his clutch play, making a downhill 12-foot birdie putt to win the 15th hole in his Friday foursomes match with Angel Cabrera against Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker.
Leishman then hit a stunning seven-iron approach from 191 yards on the 17th to just centimetres from the hole that closed out a 2 and 1 victory.
“Last week was such a great week for me personally,” said Leishman.
“It would have been a lot better if the team had of won but I felt like I played nicely and I’ve gained even more confidence from being able to close out those matches the way I did,” he said.
“To hole the putt on the last is certainly one that will give me confidence in similar situations and hopefully I have a chance to do it again this week.
“We all want the chance to putt for a tournament and I certainly know I can get it done if I play well enough to give myself the chance.
“I am coming in with reasonable expectations given the draining week in Ohio but as I said, the form’s good. I am feeling pretty relaxed, and I’ll be out to give it my best this week.”
While Leishman is in good form, former US Open champion Ogilvy is hoping a decent break will help him start the season well.
“It’s weird playing at this time of year and for it to mean something,” Ogilvy said.
“But I just want to start playing well in tournament golf again.
“I’ve had six weeks off and I’m refreshed and ready to go.”
