MARC LEISHMAN returns to the Travelers Championship on the US PGA Tour this week far from the “unknown” golfer from Warrnambool in rural Victoria who won the event last year.
Leishman’s performances since what was his maiden US win – particularly his starring role at the 2013 US Masters – have made him perhaps not a household name locally but at least a well-recognised figure.
“There is a little bit more attention. People know my name now,” the 29 year old said this week at the TPC River Highlands in Hartford, Connecticut.
“Like no one ever knew who I was. I’d get here and the crowd was like who is this bloke here? And now it’s like, “Go, Leish” or “Go Marc.” So I think that’s cool. But I don’t think it’s anything out of the ordinary that I wouldn’t have expected. It’s good. Hopefully I can be a multiple winner soon.”
Leishman was the tour’s Rookie of the Year in 2009 but he says the win last year gave him the confidence that saw him finish T9 at the Players Championship and T4 at the Master in April next to Tiger Woods.
“That definitely gave me confidence to know I was good enough to win and to play good under the pump,” he said.
“My swing held up under pressure here for a win and at The Masters I was in contention all week, and it held up there so I think the confidence that this tournament gave me last year was important.
“It was great to get on the trophy with Greg Norman and a lot of other big names like Arnold Palmer.”
Leishman faces a stiff task defending his title this week against a quality field that includes brand new US Open Champion Justin Rose. There’s also the likes of Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Tim Clark.
The strong Aussie contingent also inlcudes Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Steven Bowditch, Greg Chalmers, Scott Gardiner, Nick O’Hern, Rod Pampling, Cameron Percy and Alistair Presnell.
Travelers Championship TV Times
Live Fox Sports Coverage:
1st & 2nd Rounds: Friday & Saturday 5am – 8am. 3rd & Final Rounds: Sunday & Monday 3am – 8am (except 4.30am – 5am).
2013 Travelers Championship Leaderboard
2013 Travelers Championship Leaderboard