3 minute read
Runner-up in 2015, Marc Leishman will be back at the British Open next year while Curtis Luck also sealed entry after placing in the Australian Open top three.
While the Australian Open title remained tantalisingly out of grasp, Marc Leishman can at least celebrate winning a return to the British Open for his top-three finish at Kingston Heath.
Unable to accrue rankings points as a LIV golfer, the Victorian hasn't played in the major since 2022 but will be in the field at Royal Portrush next July.
Leishman finished equal third in the Australian Open on Sunday at 14 under, four shots behind new champion Ryggs Johnston, while West Australian Curtis Luck finished second at 15 under to also secure a British Open ticket.
Another Australian, Jasper Stubbs, also ended at 14 under but the world No.1486 lost out to the 575th-ranked Leishman on a countback for a trip to Northern Ireland.
"It's nice not to have to do the qualifier - 36 holes in one day at my age is not a whole lot of fun," the 41-year-old Leishman said.
"I'm very excited to get back to Portrush.
"I had a great time there last time, I didn't play great, but I really like the course and enjoy everything that Northern Ireland has to offer."
Leishman gave himself a title chance on Sunday with three birdies in six holes between the fifth and 10th.
A double bogey at the par-four 16th put a large dent in his hopes but he bounced straight back with a birdie that ultimately cemented his Open pass.
"It was a bit of a frustrating finish, sort of waiting on that 16th tee and hitting the tee shot in the rain. It was just a bit of bad timing," Leishman said.
"I find that such a hard tee shot anyway so, yeah, that was a tough one to take but happy to bounce back on 17 with a birdie, and then gave myself a chance on 18.
"I loved being in contention, I loved feeling the energy when you're close to the lead. I had it going there for a little while.
"Obviously not the ending I was after, particularly 16, but still happy I was able to take positive things away from this week and last week as well."
Leishman lost the 2015 British Open at St Andrews in a play-off to American Zach Johnson.
He will be hoping to do better than his last trip to Royal Portrush for the 2019 Open, when he missed the cut at eight-over.
Once the world's top-ranked amateur, Luck, who lost his US Korn Ferry Tour card this year, will make his second major appearance since 2017, when he tied for 46th at the Masters.
"Obviously that's a major perk," said Luck, who is battling a bulging disc in his neck.
"The finish wasn't ideal but I wasn't even hitting balls three months ago, so I don't think I can complain too much.
"I don't know what next year looks like because I've been pulling up really sore ... but I will be trying my hardest to play the Open next year."