MARC Leishman’s search for an elusive win on home soil will stretch into another season after he fell short at the Australian PGA on the Gold Coast on Sunday.
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The Warrnambool ace finished equal fourth at Royal Pines, four shots behind winner Cameron Smith.
Leishman, who carded 14 -under par for the tournament, was left to rue a sluggish third round of plus-two which saw his overnight lead vanish. He shot rounds of 67, 65, 74 and 68.
Smith won from Jordan Zunic after two playoff holes.
Fellow Australian Adam Bland finished third at 17-under par and countryman David Brandson was locked three shots back with Leishman.
American Harold Varner III was the best-placed of the overseas visitors in sixth place.
Leishman’s third round consisted of nine pars on the front nine before a bogey and double bogey on the back nine.
The recently-crowned Greg Norman Medallist – an honour bestowed upon Australia’s best golfer each season – only shot one birdie for the day, on the par-three 14th.
He made up ground on the final day’s play, shooting a four-under par 68.
Leishman, who has three US PGA tour wins to his credit, was among the tournament’s high profile drawcards, along with fellow Australian Adam Scott and Masters winner Sergio Garcia. Scott failed to make the cut.
Leishman will return home to Warrnambool for a flying visit before returning to his wife Audrey and three children in America for a well-earned holiday.