MARC Leishman's long-time caddie and friend Matthew Kelly has helped him rediscover his putting form in time for the US Open at Pebble Beach this weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 35-year-old has struggled at recent events, including finishing 49th at the Masters and missing the cut at the PGA Championship at New York's difficult Bethpage Black last month.
But Kelly, who has worked as Leishman's caddie for more than a decade, noticed a flaw in his putting with him becoming too indecisive on close-range putts.
"Matty and I found something on the greens and now we are reading all the short putts together," he told AAP.
"Anything from within 10 feet of the hole, we read together. He gives me a more specific target and I feel really good with the putter now."
The new tactic showed instant results when the World No.21 finished fifth at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio two weeks ago - his first PGA Tour top-five finish since February.
Leishman now feels more confident heading into the US Open, where his best finish is 16th.
The Warrnambool export has performed strongly at other majors, including the Masters and the British Open, but he has missed three cuts from seven starts at the the American major.
"I don't have the highest expectations for US Opens because I haven't done so well in the past," a brutally honest Leishman joked.
"But it may be a good thing because you play more relaxed golf."
READ MORE:
Leishman has recorded just one top 20 at the US Open, but California's iconic Pebble Beach is a course that could suit his game.
The seaside course has the smallest greens on the PGA Tour and will reward players who are strong with their irons, like Leishman.
"I'm excited for Pebble Beach because of how big a factor the short game is going to be," Leishman said.
"I'm putting well again, my iron play is great because I can shape the irons in both directions.
"If you miss the greens at Pebble, you have to have an extraordinary short game to save par and I feel mine is pretty good."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.