Amid Travel Nightmares At $25M LIV Golf Event, Defector Makes An Honest Confession About Amazing Turnaround

The world of sports is not devoid of superstition. If anything, a sportsperson is more likely to hold something lucky if the item has brought them success in the past. It is like an added bit of good-luck charm.

However, in the case of Australian pro golfer Marc Leishman, it was a series of misfortune that suddenly turned into great luck and eventually made him smile.

The story of a LIV Golf player and his lost luggage

It is not uncommon for golfers to often lose their luggage when traveling across countries. To have it happen before a tournament is more of a major inconvenience. Something similar happened in the case of the Aussie Pro golfer headed to play at the LIV Golf London tournament. But his struggles started long before that.

Last week, Marc Leishman was playing at the LIV Golf Andalucia event in Club de Golf Valderrama. The Ripper GC golfer had a sudden bout of misfortune upon reaching Dallas on his way to Spain. He discovered that some of his checked baggage was lost in transit. Given that he had to play at Andalucia, he did not wish to take any more chances, and carried his golf clubs in-cabin, which took some convincing.

Also read: ‘Hopefully a Big Second Half’: Amid $25,000,000 LIV Golf Event, Cameron Smith Speaks Positive Words About His Team – EssentiallySports

When he finally arrived in Spain, he had to purchase clothing with the team logo from the pavilion and some casual clothes from the store. He expected his luggage to arrive soon but he was informed that instead of Spain, it was sent to his home back in Virginia, USA. He didn’t have a choice but to carry on with the clothing he had purchased, and a little solace that his clubs were with him, not in Virginia Beach.

Finally, this week, as he teed off at the $25 million worth LIV Golf London event, his luggage was sent over. The Pro golfer was beside himself while he finished with hole 1. He changed into one of his shirts before moving on to the second hole. And, then came the incident that made it his lucky shirt.

“It turned up after one hole, I changed shirts and went on to birdie six of the next seven holes.” That was quite a round for the LIV golfer. “So I guess I might have to wear this one again (Saturday),” he shared. SI Golf shared the Aussie golfer’s troublesome couple of weeks on Twitter.

Leishman had a fantastic finish with 7-under, and he is preparing for the next round. It’s a good thing he put his foot down to travel with his clubs after the unfortunate rerouting of his luggage. Otherwise he would be in a tough spot in Spain without his clothes or clubs.

Marc Leishman isn’t the only victim of airline luggage problems

Golfers literally put their bread and butter in the care of airlines when they travel, even if it is within the country. Carelessness on the part of the airlines cost the sportspersons heavily, for which an apology isn’t enough.

So, when Aine Donegan not only received her Golf clubs later than expected, but found that her driver was broken. Given the magnitude of the US Women’s Open Championship, it was rather disheartening. She had to go on as is, and is currently in T11.

Marc Leishman and Aine Donegan aren’t the only ones. Paula Reto, Jessica Korda, Luke Donald, Viktor Hovland, and many others have been victims of these airline mishaps. Most flyers are now choosing to add smart trackers on their luggage to avoid these issues, but it is hardly any consolation if a golfer’s tools of trade arrive broken.

Do you think airlines need to exercise special protocols for sportsmen travelling with their gear? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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