Leishman tied for lead in Kuala Lumpur

Australia's Marc Leishman holds a share of the lead at halfway through the PGA Tour-opening CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur.

By Australian Associated Press
  • Gol_PGA_16-9_14949326_1898315_20181012181044a0ca59d7-18ab-4a99-8bf2-cc07c2765b79.jpg_sd_1280x720.jpg

Australia's Marc Leishman has surged into a share of the lead at the midway point of the PGA Tour's season-opening CIMB Classic in Malaysia.

The 34-year-old Victorian was five strokes off the pace after Thursday's opening round and he wiped out that deficit with ease by constructing a 10-under 62.

Leishman racked up 10 birdies in a flawless negotiation of the revamped TPC Kuala Lumpur layout on Friday to sit atop the leaderboard with American Gary Woodland, who equalled the course record with a 61.

The duo improved to 14-under for the tournament and are a shot clear of India's Shubhankar Sharma and Englishman Paul Casey, who both had stretches of four birdies and an eagle in five holes.

Woodland's 61 matched the score Justin Thomas shot when winning the tournament in 2015.

First-round leader Bronson Burgoon shot 69 and was two strokes behind, tied with fellow Americans Scott Piercy (67) and Austin Cook (68).

Leishman was understandably satisfied with his polished effort.

"I just want to keep doing what I'm doing," he said.

"Hopefully I can keep on driving it like I did today for the next two days and then keep rolling the putts in.

"I made most of the putts you should make, I didn't hole any really long ones. Hopefully I can keep the putter hot."

Maintaining accuracy off the tee was also paramount.

"If you're in the rough it's a really tough golf course. If you're on the fairway, especially the new fairways that are a bit firmer, they're running out and you have some short irons to the holes," he said.

Leishman's compatriot Cameron Smith added a second 69 to be six-under in a tie for 29th.

Thomas shot 69 and was five strokes behind. Defending champion Pat Perez closed with a birdie to shoot 69 and was nine strokes off the lead while Ernie Els shot 72 to trail by 10.

There is no cut in the 78-player field.


Add a comment

Title Notify Website Updates

Subscribe to receive updates and new posts via email