Rest for Masters beckons

MARC Leishman believes the silver lining to an elimination from the World Golf Championships-Match Play is an extra day’s rest before his storybook return to the Masters.

With Leishman’s arrival at Augusta only eight days away, the 33-year-old Australian was sent packing from the WGC event at Austin Country Club courtesy of a 4 and 3 defeat to five-time major winner Phil Mickelson in their final-16 match yesterday.

“Obviously it’s very disappointing not to win, but when your opponent gets off to a start like and you’re five holes down after 10, it’s so hard to beat, ” Leishman said.

The in-form 46-year-old Mickelson, who swept aside his three pool opponents with easy victories, took the lead over Victorian Leishman on the fourth hole and never looked back.

“Marc is playing some really great golf right now. Fortunately I played some of my best golf this week this match,” Mickelson said.

Leishman now turns his attention to the year’s first major, starting on April 6, after grabbing one of the last available spots with his first US PGA Tour victory in five years at last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

With Leishman projected to climb as high as world No.27, the Warrnambool product is feeling confident of bagging his first major championship.

“I feel good. My energy this week hasn’t been the greatest after winning at Bay Hill, so the week off will be important for me to freshen up for the Masters,” Leishman said.

“I’m feeling really good about how I’m playing; mentally and physically.

“The game feels sharp in all areas, particularly my driving and putting.”