Leishman carded a two-under par 70 in this morning's first round to be two shots behind leader, American Bill Haas.

Leishman made the turn at even par after two birdies and two bogeys before playing solid golf on the way home, making birdies at the par-five 13th and par-four 18th holes.

He was cool under pressure. After driving into the pine trees on the right-hand side of the 13th fairway, he punched a shot out to lay up short of the water that guards the green. He then chipped up and sunk the putt for an impressive birdie.

Haas, who shot a four-under 68, is one shot clear of three players, defending champion Adam Scott,  former winner Bubba Watson and South African Louis Oosthuizen. Leishman is a further shot back among a group of seven players in a tie for fifth.