After a case of mid-season burnout, Marc Leishman is feeling refreshed and ready for another crack at his maiden major golf title at this week’s British Open.
Leishman’s results dropped off steadily after his breakthrough major performance at the Masters, where he was in contention throughout before finishing tied fourth behind countryman Adam Scott.
The 29-year-old has arrived at Muirfield on the back of a much-needed two week break, admitting he was feeling the effects of a packed schedule after playing 18 tournaments already this year.
“I played quite a bit there in the middle of the year and probably wore myself out a bit,” Leishman said.
“But I feel great now, had two weeks off and didn’t do a whole lot and just practiced.
“I still feel like I’m hitting it pretty well and the form’s still pretty good.”
Although Leishman could not back up his Masters performance at the US Open, missing the cut, he continues to draw confidence from his showing at Augusta.
“If you had of asked me before the Masters ‘what are you going to feel like when you’re in that situation (contender for a major)’, I’d have thought I would have been a lot more nervous,” Leishman said.
“I think I handled it pretty well and felt comfortable, so hopefully I can get myself in that position again this week.”
Leishman, who has four top 10 finishes on the US PGA Tour this year, enjoys the challenges of links golf and feels a fast and testing Muirfield layout will suit his game well.
He tees off alongside American Justin Leonard and Welsh amateur Rhys Pugh early on Thursday afternoon (Thursday night AEST).