'Sandbelt-like': Leishman heads west for Open tune-up

Marc Leishman has one eye on the WA Open and the other on Australian golf's greatest prize after returning home refreshed and revitalised following a surprisingly resurgent season.

Seemingly in his career twilight after three years between major championship appearances and without a professional win since 2021, Leishman burst to life with a LIV Golf Miami triumph in April.

The 41-year-old followed up with promising showings at the US Open and British Open to declare he still dreamed of winning an elusive major, having finished runner-up in a play-off at St Andrews a decade ago.

Now Leishman hopes to parlay his revived fortunes into a maiden Australian Open victory at beloved Royal Melbourne in early December.

To prepare for his latest shot at the Stonehaven Cup, Leishman has returned to Western Australia for the first time in 20 years to contest the WA Open starting on Thursday at Mt Lawley Golf Club.

The Victorian thinks playing in "sandbelt-like" conditions at the Perth club, which is showcasing its recent course restoration, is ideal preparation for his national championship.

"It just fits well into the schedule to just stay fresh," Leishman said.

"I didn't want to not play tournament golf for three months leading into an Australian Open at Royal Melbourne particularly - a course I love."I wanted to stay sharp and this is a tournament where I can do that on a golf course that is probably going to play similar to what Royal Melbourne is with how firm it's going to be and the way it's set up."

Leishman is looking forward to testing out some adjustments when he tees off for the first round in WA with Webex Players Series Perth winner Jordan Doull and star WA amateur Spencer Harrison."It is really good to be able to have an off season, which I've never had," he said."My off-season's normally been about two or three weeks, so to be able to have six weeks off where I've been able to do some work on my swing without having to worry about competing and having time to let it sort of bleed into my game naturally rather than having to force it really quickly."It's nice to be able to do that so I can test out the small changes I made."

Before the Australian Open - where he finished equal third last year at Kingston Heath and Victoria to earn his British Open invite - Leishman will also contest the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland.