Leishman is now accustomed to attempting to qualify for major championships through his play outside of LIV Golf. Last year, he earned a spot in the U.S. Open at Oakmont by qualifying after a three-man playoff on golf’s longest day. After playing in the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland, he’ll look to punch a ticket to Augusta National for The Masters by winning the Australian Open. Leishman has finished in the top 10 at The Masters on four occasions but hasn’t qualified since 2022. A win would also earn him an exemption into The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
While he’s in Western Australia, Leishman has also had the chance to check out Optus Stadium in Perth, which will host an Australia-India one-day international on Sunday. In addition to his pre-tournament preparations, he also had the opportunity to mow the outfield in advance of the cricket match. Mowing has been a source of relaxation for Leishman, who spoke about his love for grass maintenance at the 2017 BMW Championship on the PGA Tour.
“It’s definitely stress relief for me,” Leishman said in a 2019 Golf Digest feature. “But I do try to stay somewhat healthy and in shape, but that is like a little workout – it’s probably 150, 200-pound mower I’m pushing. Good workout. Yeah, stress relief, I guess. … It’s kind of become an obsession.”
Leishman’s pre-tournament mowing may be just what he needs to get into the proper mindset to compete at the challenging Mount Lawley Golf Club.
“It’s a big week of sport for Western Australia, so hopefully everyone can get out to both the golf and the cricket,” he said.
