Harvey Leishman: ‘How many trophies has he won daddy?’

Marc Leishman: ‘Seventy eight.’

HL: ‘How many have you won?’

ML: ‘Three.’

Like all Australian golf fans Harvey Leishman was excited to learn that his dad, Marc Leishman has been grouped with Tiger Woods for the first two rounds of The Masters.

Joining the 2017 Greg Norman Medallist and resurgent Woods is Englishman Tommy Fleetwood who is playing Augusta National for just the second time.

In typical laid-back fashion, Leishman is honoured by the compliment paid to him by Augusta National but won’t be letting the hype surrounding his playing partner effect his own game.

“Any time you get a pairing like that, I guess is a compliment. I’ll take that as a compliment from Augusta National,” said Leishman.

“Everyone in the field is a good player and it might help, between shots it will be easier to switch off because I’ll be watching what he’s (Woods) doing or what Tommy’s doing.

“Around here I find it easier to switch off between shots because there’s a lot of stuff to look at. There’s a lot of people, flowers, trees … everything. I’m looking at it as a positive to play with him.

“I’m excited about it. It’s a big stage, the biggest stage. It would be nice if I can get out there and play well and show everyone what I can do. And put myself into a position to win that green jacket on Sunday. That’s what this week is all about.”

Leishman has experienced playing with Woods, he watched him cruise to an eight shot victory at the 2009 BMW Championship, and the effect he has on fans.

“Early in the tournament is probably different to late in the tournament,” explained Leishman.

“Of all the places to play then this is a good spot. You’re not allowed to run here so he won’t be putting out and people running off. There are a lot of people in chairs here.

“It’s going to be less chaotic than what it might have been at Bay Hill or the Valspar or any other tournament for that fact.”

While some competitors at The Masters may view a grouping with Woods as a burden, Leishman is welcoming the experience.

“I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously, there will be a lot of cameras around – as there always is here – but I like playing in front of people and cameras and there will certainly be a lot of both,” added Leishman.

“I’ve played a lot of majors and been in some big positions. I’m not really worried about who I’m playing with. I’m just trying to get myself into a good position on Sunday and make a good run.”

Putting aside his grouping, Leishman continued his Masters’ preparations playing 9 holes alongside fellow Australians Jason Day and Adam Scott.

“I’m pretty stress free and it won’t change my preparation because of the pairing. I’ll do what I can to play well,” added Leishman.

“We don’t often play the same tournaments. Scotty doesn’t play very much and neither does Jase. President’s Cup was probably the last time before that.

“We spend a lot of time together. Scotty and I are really good mates and Jase as well.”

Leishman, Scott and Day are joined at The Masters by Australian PGA Champion Cameron Smith.

Australian tee times are available here.

The Masters will be broadcast free to air on the Nine Network and ad free on FOX SPORTS Australia’s dedicated Masters channel.

Live coverage of round one begins at 5:00am AEST time on both channels.

TV times are available here.