Leishman calls for lasting Lyle legacy
Late golfer Jarrod Lyle can leave an even greater legacy on the game, as Jim Tucker reports
MARC Leishman would love to see golf’s “Yellow Day” salute to the late Jarrod Lyle at the Australian PGA become an annual event with the same powerful cancer-fighting message as cricket’s Pink Test.
The tall Victorian is delighted that many players, fans and PGA staff will wear a touch of yellow for Thursday’s opening round at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast and feels the concept could mushroom.
“There’s no reason we can’t do that (every year) because it would only get bigger and better,” Leishman said.
“It could get pretty big and raise a lot of money for (cancer charity) Challenge, it would just be a nice way to keep Jarrod in our memory and help however (Lyle’s wife) Briony and her girls need it.
“All of Australian cricket supports the Pink Test (at the SCG) every year and it could be like that.”
When Lyle lost his battle with leukaemia in August, Leishman and the world of golf lost a dear friend but a determination to honour his fighting character lives on just as widely.
Jane McGrath was taken too early by breast cancer and cricket great Glenn McGrath has helped create a meaningful tribute that generates funds for cancer patients through the Pink Test.
Pink stumps, bats, bat logos, bandanas, polo shirts, dresses ... the template is there. Try yellow shirts, tees, grips, golf bags and caps.
Leishman and his World Cup teammate Cameron Smith headed to the 12th hole at Royal Pines yesterday for some fun target practice at hoardings placed in the middle of the fairway. When they narrowly missed the $2000 target with three shots apiece, watch sponsor TAG Heuer chipped in a $5000 donation to Challenge anyway.
“I was great friends with Jarrod and it’s nice to help an awesome cause,” Leishman said.
Leishman was co-leader after 36 holes at the PGA a year ago after a hot 67-65 start but had to watch Smith lift the trophy when the Queenslander hummed home for his first individual trophy as a professional.
“It’s probably a missing part of my resume not to win a big event in Australia,” Leishman said. “I’d love to do it this week, lift the trophy like Cam did last year.”
Smith is not the only title threat with former Australian PGA champions Geoff Ogilvy and American Harold Varner III in the field plus inform Victorian Lucas Herbert and England’s Andrew “Beef” Johnston.
Smith said he’d been looking forward to his defence.
“It was nice to get the monkey off the shoulder (last year),” Smith said. “I don’t see pressure to defend. This is actually the week I look forward to most in my home state with family and friends and a very chilled time.”