AR
You’ll have to forgive Marc Leishman, who has played in just one major championship since the end of 2022. During that three-year span, he clearly forgot that they can be absolute slogs when it comes to pace of play.
Leishman undoubtedly experienced this in the U.S. Open at Oakmont last month, where he tied for 38th. No one would describe those rounds, particularly the first and second ones, as fast. But the 41-year-old Aussie didn’t feel the need to speak on the topic that week in Pittsburgh.
But Leishman had no issue making his feelings known on Thursday at Royal Portrush, where reigning U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun’s group was put on the clock late in the first round, and then Spaun was later hit with a “bad time.” The brutal weather, the links golf test and the major championship pressure have slowed things to a crawl in Northern Ireland. After finishing the 18th hole with a bogey to shoot a two-over 73, Leishman had some thoughts.
“Felt like we were on the golf course for about 12 hours,” said the six-time PGA Tour winner who now plays on LIV. “We’ve been on the course for three hours through eight holes. That was tough to deal with, especially coming from somewhere where we play in under 4 1/2 every week.”
Leishman has clearly become accustomed to small fields and shotgun starts on LIV. But thanks to some strong play in qualifying events, he gained entry into both the U.S. Open and the Open Championship in 2025. It wasn’t until Thursday when he was reminded that he’s not in Riyadh anymore.
That said, he felt like he dealt with it just fine. Leishman made three birdies and five bogeys and sits in a tie for 78th.
“You got to deal with all that sort of stuff, and I felt like I dealt with it decently well,” he said. “Just got a little frustrated there. I thought I was playing really good and not getting anything out of it, but the conditions were tough. Hopefully just get a good one going in the morning.”
Leishman was asked if he was given any reason for the holdup.
“No, just everyone takes their time.”
No lies detected there.
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Main Image: Christian Petersen
