Marc Leishman, Australia’s most in-form player, has confirmed he will compete at the Australian PGA Championship from November 30 to December 3.

Currently a favourite for the Greg Norman Medal and world No.13, Leishman has won twice on the US PGA Tour in 2017. His first victory came in March at the Arnold Palmer Invitational then six months later he followed it with a win at the BMW Championship. Leishman recorded a further five top-10 finishes on the US Tour, his most recent being a runner-up result at the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges after a two-hole playoff with Justin Thomas. Leishman also represented the International team at the Presidents Cup.

“To be considered for the Greg Norman Medal is a great honour, particularly given the depth of talent in the Australian golf industry. 2017 has been an exceptional year for myself and my family,” Leishman said.

“I always like coming home to play and teeing it up at the Australian PGA Championship was particularly important to me this year so I can attend the awards evening and thank the Australian golf fans for all their support this year. I have always enjoyed coming to the Gold Coast, it’s a fun tournament in a fun location, I am sure this year will be another excellent week.”

A consistent supporter of the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, this will be the fourth time Leishman has teed it up at RACV Royal Pines Resort with his best result being tied 11th in 2013 and 2014.

“We are delighted to welcome home Marc Leishman and have him join us on the Gold Coast for the Australian PGA Championship,” said Gavin Kirkman, chief executive of the PGA of Australia.

“The Australian PGA Championship is a celebration of golf. Each year we like to welcome home our international winners so having Marc in the field was a priority for us. Marc is an exceptionally talented player who has had an incredible year. We are thrilled that Australian golf fans will be able to watch Marc compete for the Joe Kirkwood Cup and that he will join us at the Greg Norman Medal.”

Leishman becomes the latest world-class addition to the Australian PGA Championship field after world No.12 Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott, defending champion Harold Varner III as well as the Zurich Classic of New Orleans-winning team of Cameron Smith and Jonas Blixt.

Leishman will play at the Australian PGA Championship exclusively this summer of golf with Australian golf fans able to watch him live on the Gold Coast.

Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Leanne Coddington said Leishman was a welcome addition to an already world-class field.

“Having Australia’s top golfer for 2017 return home for this prestigious sporting event is a great win for tourism in Queensland,” Coddington said. “Marc has had an outstanding year and joins a world-class line up that is sure to be a big drawcard for visitors to the Gold Coast.”