Marc Leishman banked a cool US$1,260,000 yesterday after he captured his fourth career title on the PGA Tour. But the man from Warrnambool, whose career earnings have just ticked over US$24 million, says fame and fortune are the furthest things from his mind as he eyes his next victory.
The reigning Greg Norman Medallist, who is projected to rise to World No.16 on the Official World Golf Ranking, still doesn’t possess the same public profile as Jason Day or Adam Scott.
But that’s exactly how he likes it.
“I love that I can do things and not get recognised,” Leishman said during a teleconference today.
“It’s not really in my personality to try and grab attention. I’m more than happy to give them [Scott and Day] the spotlight.”
The 2009 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year has just completed his 250th event on the world’s leading professional circuit, where his goals and expectations are forever changing.
During his first few seasons on Tour he was just trying to earn enough money to keep his card for the following year.
RIGHT: Leishman won his fourth title on the PGA Tour when he captured the CIMB Classic at the weekend. PHOTO: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images.
But now, as he enters his 11th season in the United States, Leishman says he is focussed solely on winning more tournaments and finally seizing that illusive major championship.
“My expectations have changed now from the first couple of years I was on Tour,” Leishman said. “I’ll be looking at winning more tournaments and hopefully winning a major or majors.
“It’s a lot easier now not having to play for my livelihood I guess. It is my job … But I don’t think about the money at all – and I’m very lucky to be in that situation where if I’ve got a chance to win, I’m going to play to win.”
Leishman will begin that mission this week when he returns to South Korea for the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges, where he finished runner-up to Justin Thomas after a playoff last year.
“I don’t think about the money at all – and I’m very lucky to be in that situation where if I’ve got a chance to win, I’m going to play to win.” – Marc Leishman
The 34-year-old will then return home to Virginia Beach to spend time with his family, before arriving in Melbourne for the World Cup of Golf and playing the Australian PGA Championship the week after on the Gold Coast.
Leishman spoke glowingly of his World Cup partner Cameron Smith and said the pair had spent plenty of time together in Kuala Lumpur last week.
“He’s an awesome player,” Leishman said. “Winning the [2017] Australian PGA – or winning anything – is awesome but I’m learning from him as well.
“We’ve played a fair few practice rounds together and I’ve had to lift my game just to keep up with him. His wedge play impresses me a lot and it’s made me work harder at that. That paid off this week in Malaysia but I think it’s also going to be really important at the World Cup.”
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