Marc Leishman nears $6 million payday in the Arizona event, leading Sergio Garcia into the finals by two shots

Australia’s Marc Leishman is on the verge of a staggering $6 million payday after turning back the clock and taking the lead after the second round of the LIV Golf event in Arizona.

Leishman, who has fallen out of the world top 50 and will not play The Masters in Augusta next month, has a two-shot lead over Sergio Garcia, who is entering the final round of the 54-hole event.

Leishman (-11) shot a five-under 66 in his second round Sunday morning (AEDT) as he got closer to his first win on Greg Norman’s breakaway.

The individual winner of the Tuscon event, second on the LIV calendar for 2023, will bank $5.97 million ahead of any team wins.

Leishman chipped his first hole in the second round for Eagle and then extended his lead overnight to hold a cushion from former Masters winner Garcia (-9).

“It was a really hot start and a good front nine and I cooled off a bit on the back nine but I didn’t let it go which was a mistake of mine over the last year or two, a bad hour or so ‘ said Leishman.

“I’m always a leaderboard watcher and I want to know where I stand. I’m enjoying the pressure and I think that’s why we’re doing the hard work to get ourselves into this situation.”

Leishman’s team captain, The Open champion Cameron Smith (-1), is trying to find his best form ahead of The Masters but is far from contending for individual honor in Arizona.