Marc Leishman tamed one of the PGA Tour’s most difficult courses – the South Course at Torrey Pines – by shooting 7-under-par 65 on Sunday in the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open to beat Jon Rahm by one stroke for his fifth career PGA Tour victory.
Leishman (above) made five birdies in his first eight holes in the final round to jump in front after Rahm stumbled.
Rahm, the third-round leader, had a miserable Sunday start, playing the first five holes in 4-over par, making double bogey at the par-3 third hole as his two-stroke lead quickly evaporated. Still, he had a long eagle putt on the 18th green to tie Leishman on virtually the same line as the putt he made there to win his first PGA Tour event three years ago. Rahm’s putt to tie stopped just short of the hole.
Leishman quietly has been among the steadiest players on the PGA Tour in recent years and his latest victory reaffirmed the sustained quality of his play.
He separated himself in the final round with an exceptional putting performance, taking apart the notoriously difficult South Course. Playing with the lead for the final nine holes, Leishman made key par putts at the 12th, 14th and 15th holes to maintain his momentum.
“I putted as good as I probably ever have today,†Leishman said. “This feels pretty amazing. I wasn’t expecting this at the start of the day.â€
A native of Australia, Leishman has taken an active role in raising money and awareness to fight the effects of the devastating wildfires in his home country. Leishman joined other Australians on tour in pledging monetary donations for birdies and eagles made while also accepting donations through his Begin Again Foundation.
“It’s awesome to support the people who are struggling back home in Australia,†Leishman said. “We’re lucky to be in this position and to be able to help out.â€
RESULTS | MONEY LIST
RON GREEN JR.
