I want to win it for Lyle, says Leishman

MARC Leishman says Jarrod Lyle’s decision to begin palliative care was the inspiration behind his swashbuckling first round at the World Golf Championships- Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

Leishman, the Australian world No. 19, hit just four of 14 fairways at the difficult Firestone Country Club but salvaged a remarkable five under par 65 to sit three shots behind Ian Poulter, who took the first round lead with a 62.

English star Poulter set the pace at eight under – one shot ahead of Americans Rickie Fowler and Kyle Stanley ( 63).

Leishman said his good mate Lyle, who this week ceased cancer treatment, was on his mind as he salvaged seven birdies and two bogeys despite hitting just 13 greens in regulation. “A big part of me wants to win it ( for Lyle),” Leishman said.

“It would be great to have a beer out of that trophy for him at the end of the week.”

Fellow Australian Jason Day matched Leishman’s 65 and said he was also hungry to lift the trophy for former US Tour player Lyle.

“To have that platform to dedicate it to him would be special, but we have to put ourselves in position to pull that off,” Day said.

With competitors sporting yellow ribbons in support of Lyle, Scott was buoyed by talk that Tour players were planning to look after the Lyle family long- term. “I think we’ve all got him on our minds for sure and, in fairness, it’s not just the Aussie boys,” Scott said.