New Game, New Thinking: Marc Leishman profile

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As part of the New Game, New Thinking series (click here to learn more), PGATOUR.COM freelance writer Rudy Klancnik profiles Marc Leishman.

Speaking of an economic stimulus, Marc Leishman is doing his part by helping one good-natured reporter save a couple of dollars on long-distance charges. When we reached Leishman in Mexico on the eve of the TOUR stop in Cancun, the young Australian was quick to say that he'd call back via his computer hook up to save international charges on my phone. Nice guys do finish first.

PGATOUR.COM: Hey, I appreciate you saving me from sending an expense report to my boss in Florida. During these economic times, you never know what's going to get cut next.

LEISHMAN: (Laughs) No problem, mate. Just trying to do my part. I'm just enjoying my time in Mexico and getting ready to roll this week.

PGATOUR.COM: You're off to a nice early start with three cuts made in three tries. Has anything caught you off guard about your first steps on the TOUR?

LEISHMAN: Not too much. I knew the crowds would take some getting used to and the media and the club guys and the new courses. You get the picture. They treat you so well out here it's amazing. I couldn't be happier being out here. And I think I'm starting to get into the swing of things now.

PGATOUR.COM: If I start seeing you on TV late on a Sunday afternoon, what type of player should I expect to see?

LEISHMAN: I'm pretty aggressive, but hopefully not stupidly aggressive. I'm the guy who wants to gun for a par 5 with two shots on most occasions. I'm not ridiculously long off the tee, but I can let it go if I need to. Like a lot of guys, I'm a streaky putter. If I get it going, I can win out here.

PGATOUR.COM: Have you had that "I'm on the PGA TOUR" moment yet?

LEISHMAN: I think I had it happen earlier out here than it occurred for me on the Nationwide Tour. It took my about six months to finally get comfortable around a lot of the other players and start playing relaxed. Out here, I'm encouraged that I already feel at ease on the practice greens and in practice rounds with the guys.

PGATOUR.COM: Since you're an Australian, it's required that I ask you about Greg Norman and what he means to you and your career.

LEISHMAN: Well, Greg Norman is one of my heroes, of course. But the guy who I really modeled my game after is Ernie Els. He's so smooth and even tempered out there. And he's had a lot of success.

PGATOUR.COM: You've had some nice success on the Nationwide Tour and so far on the PGA TOUR. Buy anything with your loot?

LEISHMAN: I actually just purchased my first home. This week in fact. I bought a condo in Virginia Beach that my girlfriend plans to move into. I'm really excited about that.

PGATOUR.COM: Virginia isn't necessarily the golf hotspot of Florida or Arizona. Why settle there?

LEISHMAN: My girlfriend works in the area and her family lives in the area so I'm doing it for here. I have flexibility to live anywhere so I wanted to make it easy on her.

PGATOUR.COM: Smooth move, especially if her folks turn into your in-laws.

LEISHMAN: (Laughs) I thought so myself. I hope that helps me with her folks.

PGATOUR.COM: You seemingly have adjusted very well to the United States. Is that fair to say?

LEISHMAN: Yeah, I think so. I miss some things about my hometown, especially cricket. I love cricket and you just don't see it over here. I can't even explain it to Americans. You need to have them to read a rule book just to have a chance at understanding it. But I've come to enjoy the NFL and baseball. I haven't picked a team to follow just yet, but I need to make that decision soon.

PGATOUR.COM: By the end of the year, what will you consider to be a successful rookie season?

LEISHMAN: My short-term goal is to qualify for Bay Hill and do well in that tournament. Over the long haul, I don't really have a defined goal. I would love to win a tournament, but that's what everyone says. I want to play well enough to put myself in a position to win on a consistent basis. If I do that, I'll take my chances. Golf has some similarities to cricket. The game lasts a while and you need to pace yourself and be very strategic in your approach. But you also have to take chances when the time is right.