Leishman tames Miami's ‘Blue Monster' to claim first LIV Golf individual title
In a gripping finish at LIV Golf Miami, Australian golf star Marc Leishman triumphed under intense pressure to capture his first-ever individual title, leading Ripper GC to an unprecedented double win at Trump National Doral.
It was a weekend of survival as the notorious Blue Monster course proved as brutal as ever, with Leishman displaying remarkable resilience to secure both the individual and team trophies.
The stage was set in Miami after the Ripper GC team had braved the elements earlier this year during their grueling pre-season camp at Doral. The January conditions were harsh – cold, windy, and with a persistent mist that made even the 10th fairway nearly impossible to play.
But all that early suffering paid off on Sunday, when Leishman and his team emerged victorious under fierce gusting winds and firm greens that pushed all players to their limits.
'Perfect' Round
Leishman capped off his victory with the only bogey-free round of the tournament – a flawless 4-under 68. The 41-year-old Australian finished the week at 6-under par, narrowly edging out South African Charl Schwartzel of Stinger GC by a single stroke. Sergio Garcia, captain of Fireballs GC, rounded out the podium, finishing third at 4-under.
For Leishman, this win was especially sweet after several near-misses in recent LIV Golf events. 'It's been a long time coming,' he reflected. 'I've had chances before but haven't quite got over the line. It's great to finally break through, especially at a place like this.'
His victory also marked a major turning point in his career. It was his first title in four years, a long drought despite numerous top finishes, including three runner-up spots in LIV's previous events. Leishman's win in Miami came after a difficult performance in Singapore just a month ago, where he finished tied for 51st – his worst result in LIV history.
Reflecting on his return to form, Leishman noted, 'Singapore was pretty rough for me, but coming back to a course like this with danger at every turn, I think it actually helped me. I didn't let my guard down, and it worked out perfectly.'
Rewriting the Record Books
Leishman wasn't the only one celebrating at Trump National Doral. Ripper GC, captained by fellow Aussie Cameron Smith, claimed the team title with a cumulative score of +4, the first time any LIV team has won with an over-par total. The team's victory was the 14th instance in LIV Golf history where both individual and team titles were claimed by the same squad.
'It was a massive team effort,' said Smith. 'Marc's win is huge for him, and for the team. We've all been working so hard, and it's great to see it all come together like this.'
Leishman's steady play throughout the tournament was a testament to his poise under pressure. After starting Sunday three shots behind the lead, he quickly surged up the leaderboard with early birdies. By the time he reached the 10th hole, his lead had expanded to three shots, a cushion he would hold until the final hole.
Despite strong pressure from Schwartzel, who made an impressive four straight birdies to jump into contention, and Garcia, who had a brief moment of brilliance, Leishman did not falter. Even after a difficult tee shot on the 18th, he held his ground, sinking a clutch par putt to secure the victory.
'It wasn't easy,' Leishman admitted. 'The 18th hole is one of the toughest out here, and I knew a two-shot lead wasn't much. But I stuck with it, kept my focus, and here we are.'
Tight Finishes and Dramatic Moments
As the tournament unfolded, the pressure intensified. Stinger GC's Schwartzel mounted a thrilling charge on the back nine, but a final-hole bogey halted his comeback. Garcia, playing just ahead of Leishman, had his own moment of drama on 18, finding the trees and water on his way to a double-bogey, which handed Leishman the title.
Despite the heartbreak, Garcia remained upbeat. 'I had a chance there at the end. It just didn't happen. But Leishman played brilliantly, and he deserved the win.'
Looking Ahead: LIV Golf Mexico City
With the LIV Golf season heating up, Leishman's victory in Miami sets the stage for the next event in Mexico City from April 25-27.
For Leishman, the win couldn't have come at a better time. 'It's a massive confidence booster,' he said. 'I'm just excited to keep the momentum going.'
As the LIV Golf tour heads to Mexico, the pressure is on for players to continue their form – and for Ripper GC, the challenge now is to maintain their dominant performance on a global scale.
Team Scores (Top 5)
1. Ripper GC (+4)
o Marc Leishman 68, Cameron Smith 70, Ben Jones 71, Lucas Herbert 74
2. Crushers GC (+12)
o Anirban Lahiri 69, Charles Howell III 71, Paul Casey 73, Bryson DeChambeau 75
3. 4Aces GC (+17)
o Harold Varner III 68, Thomas Pieters 73, Patrick Reed 74, Dustin Johnson 79
4. Legion XIII (+19)
o Tyrrell Hatton 70, Sean McKibbin 73, Joseph Surratt 73, Jon Rahm 74
5. Fireballs GC (+20)
o Sergio Garcia 71, Carlos Puig 71, Manuel Masaveu 74, Abraham Ancer 80
For more information, visit LIV Golf.
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