MONSTER PUTT

It’s been really close and I just haven’t played quite like how I wanted to on Sundays but today was the day.”

Leishman blew away a strong field to win the Nedbank Challenge by six strokes on the European Tour in South Africa 15 months ago but this was his first PGA Tour victory since his maid en triumph at Hartford in 2012.

And it was Leishman’s first victory in the US since his wife nearly died of toxic shock two years ago. She is now healthy again and pregnant with their third child.

Leishman also took time to pay his respects to Palmer, who died in September at the age of 87.

Leishman, the third Australian to win at Bay Hill after Rod Pampling in 2006 and Jason Day last year, credited a new driver with his improved form.

“I’ve been playing well all year,” he said.

“It’s really been a game changer. It’s funny, this game is a lot easier out of the fairway.” Reuters

AFP PIC Marc Leishman celebrates with his children Oliver and Harry after finishing on the 18th during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.