Victorian Marc Leishman is recharged and ready to make an impact at the Australian PGA Championship, his only appearance on the PGA Tour of Australasia this summer.

Leishman has arrived on the Gold Coast fresh from a two month break where he celebrated his caddy’s wedding and spent some quality time with his coach PGA Professional Denis McDade.

"I feel like I’ve prepared for this tournament really well," said Leishman.

"Sometimes when you get back after a long year in the States, if you haven’t had time to recharge the batteries, you’re maybe not prepared for these tournaments as well as you should."

"But I feel like I’ve prepared for this really well this year and I’m really looking forward to getting out there."

This is Leishman’s second year competing at RACV Royal Pines Resort with the fun atmosphere of the Gold Coast luring him back.

"It’s good to get back home and see all the familiar faces and just be back in Australia," added Lieshman who finished in a share of 11th last year.

"It’s definitely a great tournament to have as the last tournament of the year, because if you want to stay here for a week afterwards and holiday or party, you’re right here and it’s just a fun place."

"I think everyone here loves the Gold Coast." 

With the newly redeveloped 9 holes unveiled this week, Leishman was the latest of the big name players to give his opinion on the layout.

"The golf course is really good now.  I think it proved itself last year that it wasn’t the push over that everyone thought it was going to be," added Leishman.

"Now with the changes that have happened, it’s just going to get better and better as the years go on."

Leishman reeled off 13 birdies on the RACV Royal Pines Resort layout last year but believes a more conservative approach will need to be taken on the new front nine.

"I think you’re going to have to be a little bit more conservative to a few of the pins," added Leishman.

"I think it’s going to be really important to hit those greens in regulation because the areas just off the greens are quite severe."

"You’re just going to have to be pretty smart about the way you play those holes with the severe greens."

Related Links

News / Senden Praises New Course
News / Scott Stallings excited to play at Royal Pines