Comparing shots and other off-course pursuits of two Aussie stars, where the best answers win.
Best shot you’ve ever hit in a tournament?
CAM SMITH
The bunker shot I hit on the 14th hole at Metropolitan Golf Club in last year’s World Cup of Golf. I was playing with Marc and given the situation and how it all panned out (Smith holed it for a crucial birdie), it was pretty good.
MARC LEISHMAN
That would have to be the shot I hit at the 2017 Masters, on the 15th hole during the second round. I pulled my drive over to the left and the next shot should have been a layup but I went for it and hit a 50-metre hook to about five feet and made the eagle. It was an extremely risky shot but it came off, so it’s always enjoyable when that happens.
SMITH 1 up
Worst shot you’ve ever hit in a tournament?
SMITH
Definitely the one at Colonial in 2017. I sprayed it in a hazard, tried to hit a left-handed shot and I half-shanked it into the hazard peg and it ricocheted back and hit me. I was playing with Louis Oosthuizen and he was absolutely hysterical up on the green – he was crying with laughter.
LEISHMAN
I’ve hit a lot of bad shots. I hit a shank last year playing with Tiger in the Northern Trust. It just shot over the heads of the crowd and landed over on another fairway. Shanks crop up from time to time, but they are missing the clubface so that’s never too enjoyable as a pro.
SMITH 2 up
Biggest bet you’ve ever had on the course?
SMITH
Maybe a few hundred bucks. My caddie and I have a good bet on the course at TPC Sawgrass each year.
LEISHMAN
I’m not a big gambler at all. Maybe $500 for the day is my biggest. Enough to not want to hand it over, that’s for sure.
SMITH 1 up
What’s the secret to a good lawn?
SMITH
A good greenkeeper [laughs]. We’ve got crappy grass at home and it drives me insane. But we’re about to plant some zoysia grass, so hopefully I can make that look nice.
LEISHMAN
Tender love and care. You need to mow it very frequently. Fertiliser helps… and good weather, too. Good knowledge and a good mower is key – the more you mow it the tighter and better it becomes. I love my lawn because it’s a good workout for me when I get home, get a sweat up and then enjoy a beer after it.
ALL SQUARE
First job?
SMITH
I worked behind the bar in the Redcliffe RSL. I was still working there part-time when I was on the Asian Tour.
LEISHMAN
In the pro shop at Warrnambool. I’ve also caddied and worked in a metal factory, where I was on night shift operating a laser cutter. Make a mistake there and you can lose a finger or an arm pretty quickly. It’s very important to know the value of a dollar and that’s what all my jobs gave me.
LEISHMAN 1 up
What’s Your Dream car?
SMITH
I’ve got too many dream cars. The Nissan GTR is my favourite in the garage at the moment, which I bought after Jonas Blixt and I won the 2017 Zurich Classic.
LEISHMAN
I’ve probably got my dream car now – my new Ford Raptor F150 truck.
ALL SQUARE
Most famous person in your phone?
SMITH
I’d have to say Jason Day.
LEISHMAN
Probably Ricky Ponting.
SMITH 1 up
What’s your bucket-list sports event?
SMITH
State of Origin. I’ve been lucky enough to attend a couple and I can’t really see anything topping that.
LEISHMAN
Probably an Ashes Test at Lord’s would be my pick. I’ve never been there and have always wanted to. I thought about going the year The Open went to a Monday (2015). I was flying home through London but I didn’t quite make it in the end.
ALL SQUARE
Last TV show you binge-watched?
SMITH
Season two of “Making A Murderer”. That thing’s incredible… Incredible! I love it.
LEISHMAN
It was “Shameless”, on Netflix. Really good show… a little messed up… but really good.
