The Warrnambool export produced a clutch birdie on the 18^th hole of his singles clash against Spieth to win one up on the final day’s play at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club.

But Leishman’s ice-cool effort wasn’t enough to help The Internationals break their Presidents Cup drought – he was in the stands the last time the combination side won in 1998 –  with Team USA holding on for a 15.5 to 14.5 triumph. The two teams shared the singles spoils, winning five matches apiece. Two games were halved.

Leishman shrugged off a sluggish start to stun Spieth – the young American who has collected two majors in the past 12 months.

He was two down by the second hole before drawing level on the ninth.

The British Open runner-up found himself in an arm-wrestle before grabbing the lead for the first time on the 15^th.

He maintained that slender advantage from that point on to produce one of the most significant wins of his professional career. 

Leishman said he thrived on big moments.

“I know I can make birdies and I like it when there is a lot of people around and a fair bit on the line,” he told Fox Sports.

“It was an enjoyable day and we both played pretty decent. It was fun.”

Leishman said he relished the chance to play against one of golf’s emerging superstars.

“I wasn’t expected to beat Jordan and I knew I had to play really well to have a chance and was able to do it,” he said.

The humble south-west talent said he believed he could fight back after his slow start.

“You just never give up,” he said.

“Match-play is a funny game – you can get on a run of birdies or you know, you can get lucky and get a couple of holes given to you.”