Leishman draws inspiration from late Aussie legend Thomson
IT’S not as if anyone needs extra motivation to contend for The Open Championship. If any of the Aussies in the field here this week simply glance at the branding around the venue, however, they can’t fail to be inspired. The name of the great Peter Thomson is emblazoned on backdrops and grandstands, the R&A marking his passing last month, at the age of 88, with a fitting tribute. Marc Leishman, who lost out in a play-off at St Andrews in 2015 and finished sixth last year, said: ‘Obviously, Peter Thomson was huge for Australian golf. ‘Winning five Open Championships is an unbelievable career in itself — and then you put on top of that everything else he did. ‘He was a great man. It was obviously sad that he passed away. But it’s good they’ve got his name up there and we’re celebrating his life. ‘It’s something you can definitely draw inspiration from. I was lucky enough to spend a bit of time with Peter and we got along very well, so it is inspirational to me. ‘Hopefully, I can play well — and make him proud this week.’ Leishman, 34, is fancied by many to make a real charge this week, the man himself declaring: ‘I don’t want to just contend. I want to win. I’ve learned a lot from contending. I now want to take that extra step and lift that Claret Jug. ‘Every time you’re close and you don’t do it, every time you have to watch someone else lift the trophy, it’s disappointing — but it just makes you want it more. ‘It’s a long week. You just have to stay in it. You have to play smart every hole.’