Emotional Leishman hits WGC straps

Marc Leishman is ready to thrive on the golf course after gaining new perspective in the wake of almost losing his wife to illness.

Marc Leishman grabbed his mobile phone and was moved to tears after dispatching world No.5 Justin Rose at the WGC Match Play Championship.

It wasn't due to the enormity of the win, but all it took to get the Victorian emotional was a simple message of congratulations for his 3&2 triumph from his wife Audrey, a message that could have easily been impossible just a few weeks ago.

Audrey was given a less than five per cent chance of living after her organs begun shutting down and was in a coma due to toxic shock and respiratory distress syndromes earlier this month.

But showing an amazing will to live the mother of two miraculously fought off the infections and is on her way to what's likely to be a full recovery.

"Every time I get a text off of her, it's sort of like, that's pretty cool", Leishman said.

"As close as we were to losing her it's just cool to have her around. I hope it stays that way forever."

With his mind clear of clutter and with a new perspective surrounding his golf, Leishman might just be heading to a higher level.

A one-time US PGA Tour winner and a former rookie of the year the Victorian is playing without fear.

He has made a pact not to take any negativity home from the golf course.

"Sometimes you get into a mindset where you take it too seriously, like it's a life and death situation," Leishman said.

"I've just been through a real one of those so I know that golf isn't life and death anymore.

"They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and I really feel like that.

"Audrey, she's fought so hard to just be alive and I feel like I owe it to her to be out here doing my best.

"If I don't pull a shot off, it doesn't matter. It's not going to affect my life. I can be a bit more aggressive now feeling that."


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2 min read

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Source: AAP


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