POTOMAC, Md. — Marc Leishman knows that no matter how much he tries to treat it like every other round, playing with Tiger Woods is just a little bit different.
The 34-year old Australian posted a pair of 3-under par 67s in the opening two rounds and credits some of the energy that Woods brings for his strong play.
“I tend to play pretty good when I play with him,” Leishman said. “I enjoy playing with him, we get along really well. There’s a lot of energy around the group with the big crowds.”
Leishman was also paired with Woods in the first two rounds of The Masters in April and has seen big improvements in Woods’ game since then.
“From The Masters to here he’s hitting everything a lot better,” Leishman said. “His irons are spot on, he has a lot of 10-foot birdie putts. He’s got his driver sorted out. Everything’s looking good. I can’t see a reason he won’t win fairly soon.”
Leishman sank three straight birdies on the 12th, 13th and 14th holes thanks to some accurate approach shots on the latter two. He will be in contention on the weekend, sitting three strokes behind the clubhouse lead when he finished his round.
• Adam Zielonka contributed to this report.
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