The Stonehill Golf Course’s 18th hole – photo Getty Images
Marc Leishman’s 2022 season has been well below that he has experienced in recent years, slipping from 36th in the world ranking at the end of 2021 to a current 63rd but an opening round of 66 in the 6th of the LIV Golf Series in Bangkok this week has him just one off the lead and in a share of 4th place as the 54 hole event heads into round two.
Leishman’s seven birdies at the Stonehill Golf Course have opened the door for a much improved result on the LIV Golf Tour having finished 30th and 48th in the two events he has played to date in the series.
Leishman’s only top ten in events in 2022 before switching to LIV Golf was when 10th at the opening event of the season at Kapalua and with three missed cuts in his five starts before signing to LIV, his disappointing season to date had been continuing.
His start this week will provide encouragement for not only Leishman but for tournament organisers in Australia who have recently announced his involvement in the Australian PGA and Australian Open Championships in late November and early December.
The event is led by three golfers, the recently turned professional Eugenio Chacarra, the former All American at Oklahoma State and the world number two amateur before turning to the paid ranks three months ago, recent VI Golf winner, Branden Grace, and England’s Richard Bland.
Grace won the Portland event and finished 3rd in the opening event of the series in London and as a result is currently in second place in the standings behind Dustin Johnson.
Queensland’s Jed Morgan, the current Australian PGA Champion, recorded his best round of the series to date when he was round in 67 to be tied for 6th. Morgan’s best finish in five starts on the LIV Golf Series has been when 26th in Boston so this represents an encouraging turnaround for him.
Of the other Australians, Wade Ormsby is 21st, Matt Jones 31st and Cameron Smith a perhaps surprising 41st.
