A fitter, stronger Marc Leishman believes losing 10 kilograms during the past six months has him feeling ready to reclaim his best golf this year, starting at this week's Farmers Insurance Open.
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Leishman admits he put on almost 10kg after joining the US PGA Tour in 2009, when he became the only Australian to win the American circuit's rookie of the year award.
But after a disappointing run at the majors last year, the world No.28 went on a body blitz.
"Since (Open host) Royal Portrush, I've lost about 10 kilograms," Leishman told AAP at California's Torrey Pines course.
"I didn't feel great for the first couple of months as the toxins left the body but now I feel good.
"I wanted to set a good example for my kids by eating the right foods and preparing well for my job as a pro golfer."
The weight loss has begun to pay off for Leishman, recording a third-place result in his first start of the 2019-20 US PGA Tour season before a top 10 at the Australian Open.
He is chasing a fifth career win on the PGA Tour and first since October 2018.
But Leishman says the biggest benefit is avoiding injury after experiencing back troubles last year.
"I haven't been injured since I lost the weight," he said.
"Towards the end of tournaments I also feel better, mentally sharper.
"If you're struggling to concentrate you won't win tournaments."
Leishman hopes that extra focus pays off during the West Coast swing of the PGA Tour in January and February.
"Early in the year, after putting on Christmas kilos, I haven't been in my best shape past few years but now I feel like I'm in the shape I'd be in during the middle of the PGA Tour season," he said.
Particularly this week at Torrey Pines, where Leishman's missed opportunities to win include runner-up results in 2010 and 2014, as well as two other top 10s.
The 36-year-old is also desperate to win a maiden major championship having come close many times.
"The British Open and the Masters are my two best chances annually," he said.
"But the PGA (Championship) being at TPC Harding Park (in San Francisco) I made the final 16 of the 2015 WGC Match Play, so I'm excited about that major."
Australian Associated Press
