Aussie Marc Leishman earns multi-million-dollar payday with LIV Golf Miami win
Australia’s Marc Leishman has won his first tournament in four years, taking out a one-shot victory at LIV Golf Miami while leading Ripper GC to a team triumph as well.
Leishman played a bogey-free final round of four-under 68 to finish on six under the card, beating South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel (five under), Spain’s Sergio Garcia (four under) and Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz (three under) to win the tournament.
Leishman earned $US4 million ($6.55 million) for the individual title, adding a share in the $US3 million ($4.91 million) team purse.
Overnight leader Bryson de Chambeau faded with a final round of three-over 75 to finish fifth on two under, with only six players finishing below par for the three rounds.
Among Leishman’s Rippers teammates, Cameron Smith finished in the top 10 at Doral, thanks to a final round of two-under 70.
Lucas Herbert finished in a tie for 18th on four over after a final round of 74 and Matt Jones ended tied for 21st on five over with a closing round of 71.
“I played probably some of the best golf I’ve ever played today,” Leishman said after his round.
“Especially coming off Singapore a couple of weeks ago, where I think I beat three people [in total].
“So confidence wasn’t overly high but I knew things were looking pretty good, I was playing good golf and showed that today.
“I mean, to win out here, you’re playing against tough fields every week, and I’m still just letting it sink in.”
Victorian Leishman will not be at the upcoming Masters this year, given the Official World Golf Rankings does not recognise LIV Golf events.
There will be 12 LIV Golf players at Augusta, all either there on special invitations or exemptions as past major champions — aside from England’s Tyrell Hatton, who is part of the field after finishing in the top 12 of last year’s Masters.
The 12 includes Australia’s Cameron Smith, who has an exemption from his Open Championship win in 2022.
The Masters begins at Augusta on Thursday night Australian time.
