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Marc Leishman is building an impressive golfing resume and growing in belief he can become Australia’s next major champion.
The 30-year-old shot up the British Open standings with a course record-equalling 65 in Sunday’s final round at Royal Liverpool to finish tied fifth alongside compatriot Adam Scott.
It was Leishman’s second top-five finish at the highest level after sharing fourth place at last year’s US Masters, while he was just outside the top 10 at the 2013 PGA Championship.
With his game firing and mind strong, Leishman is growing in belief he can go even further on golf’s biggest stage.
“Definitely (I can visualise winning a major),” Leishman said after his seven-under round put him five strokes behind champion Rory McIlroy.
“I love the tougher golf courses and the majors are generally played on tough golf courses.
“I came close at the Masters a couple of years ago. Played with Scotty, who won, and it was great to see exactly what you have to do.
“I was too far back at the start of the day today but to at least have a run at it .. it does give me confidence going forward in the majors.”
Starting the day 11 shots off the pace, Leishman got things going with three straight birdies midway through the front nine.
While he never looked likely to reel in McIlroy, the Australian continued to climb up the leaderboard with three birdies in his last four holes, narrowly missing two eagle attempts.
Leishman’s performance at Hoylake was made more impressive by the fact he had made the cut only once in three previous appearances the the British Open, tieing for 60th in 2010.
“I love links golf but for some reason I just hadn’t played any good,” Leishman said.
“To get something today, it make a solid week a really good week.”
Leishman said the key to his success this was learning to control his emotions better on the course.
“Mentally, I’m probably the best I’ve ever been,” the Victorian said.