Emotions have ran high on both sides of the LIV debate with World Ranking points and Major Championship appearances both discussed to the death since the breakaway league formed earlier this year.
One man who hasn’t got embroiled in the fuss is level headed Marc Leishman.
The 39-year-old, who defected to LIV Golf earlier this year, is at peace with the fact he may miss out on a 31st consecutive Major outing in 2023 after falling out of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking this year for the first time since 2017.
“Not playing the Majors was one of the things I had to weigh up when I did make the move (to LIV),” said Leishman, who has recorded six top-10s since 2013, including a T-5 at the 2021 Masters.
“I’ve played at pretty much all the majors for the last 12 or 13 years. I’ve had my chances. Obviously, I want to play them, but I’m fine not playing them.”
Leishman enjoyed his time on the PGA Tour, collecting six victories, before making the switch to Greg Norman-backed league. The Australian was well aware that winning a seventh title on the American circuit only gets more difficult with age, hence moving to LIV made perfect sense as he moves towards the twilight of his career.
“I’ve loved my time on the PGA Tour and I certainly enjoyed the transition,” he said. “That was one of the things that drew me to it. I’m not getting any younger and you can play golf forever, but you don’t know how high a level you can play at as you get at into your 40s.”
With a trip to August National in April becoming increasingly unlikely, Leishman will be roaring on one his compatriots if he doesn’t make the trip down Magnolia Lane.
“I’ll try to qualify for the British Open and the U.S. Open and if the world rankings happen, I’d love to get into the Masters,” he said. “If not, I’ll watch it on the TV and hopefully watch Cam [Smith] win it.”
