Marc Leishman says he finally feels mentally ready to compete at a US Open after years of futility in the years second major.
In four previous starts in what is known as the toughest test in golf, Leishman has three missed cuts and a tie for 51st in 2011, when he was a distant 22 shots off winner Rory McIlroy.
It is hardly a record befit of the world No.40, who was just one shot off winning the British Open last year, but Leishman believes he's turned the corner where it counts - upstairs.
Previously the Warrnambool wizard turned up at US Open's without the necessary attitude, a trait he has vowed to rectify.
"Mentally, I'm in a better spot. I've always been fairly negative going into US Opens - it's hard to say that, to be honest - but I have been, so I really want to make a conscious effort to change that this week," Leishman said on the eve of the championship.
"If I can play well this week there is no reason why I can't win it. I have played well in majors before and this is one that I haven't played well in, so I really want to change that.
"Where my game is at, I feel like there is a good chance it will change this week. I am excited about it. It will be brutally tough, but if you have a good head on your shoulders this week, it's going to be really important."
A new driver in his bag is a "game changer", according to the Victorian as he looks to stay in the fairways and out of Oakmont's cavernous rough.
And while most pundits clamour around the likes of Jason Day and Rory McIlroy for a favourite, Leishman knows his best can compete with the big boys.
"Obviously they have proven themselves, but I feel like when I'm on, I can match it with those guys," he said.
"They tend to have their best fairly frequently and I want to have my best fairly frequently in the coming years, so it would be nice to start that this week.
"I feel like things are trending in the right direction."
Share
