'A failed idea': Aussie veteran Marc Leishman hits back at Brandel Chamblee's latest LIV sledge

Aussie LIV Golf star Marc Leishman has hit back at claims the breakaway tour's format leaves its players undercooked to compete against the world's best at majors.

During the final round of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow last month, both Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau found themselves in contention before falling away late in the day.

Renowned former player-turned-commentator Brandel Chamblee later said "LIV's format and lack of competition" was the reason for their collapse.

READ MORE: Gus clips 'rubbish' excuse for Broncos decline

READ MORE: Claim rival clubs cheering for Devils demise amid 'debacle'

READ MORE: 'Right choice': Gould backs Freddy to land top job

On Thursday, Leishman rubbished the comments and claimed the more relaxed format "actually lends itself to being able to prepare very well for the majors".

"We're playing against great fields every single week, on tough golf courses," Leishman explained to Australian media including Wide World of Sports.

"Yes, it's 54 holes. But it puts a bit of pressure on that first round to get off to a good start because (LIV events) are a little bit more of a sprint.

"We're still playing a lot of golf away from tournaments, enjoying golf more and I think when you are enjoying your golf and it's not so much of a grind, that lends itself to better play."

It might be working for Leishman. This week he booked his spot in next weekend's US Open via a grueling 36-hole open qualifying event at the Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland.

Often referred to as the 'Longest Day in Golf', Leishman filled one of four spots on offer in the field, after prevailing in a three-for-two playoff.

It will be his first appearance at a major since 2022. He will join fellow Aussies Cameron Smith, Jason Day, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott and Cameron Davis in the field.

Leishman said he wouldn't have been able to prepare for the qualifier in a way he would've liked if he'd been playing on the PGA Tour.

"I wouldn't have been able to – I'd be preparing for other tournaments," he said.

"I've got a tournament this week (LIV Virginia) – it's not a US Open course, but the greens are going to be extremely quick, hilly. I think it's going to be really good preparation for next week at Oakmont.

"I'm happy with the way the schedule is, and the way you can lead into majors. I'd probably disagree with Brandel Chamblee a lot."

Leishman's T3 finish at the Australian Open last December had already locked him into the field for the British Open, to be held at Royal Portrush next month.

Fellow Aussies Lucas Herbert and Karl Vilips were also in the field at the Woodmont qualifier – one of 10 sites hosting final qualifying events across the USA and Canada – but both missed the cut after the first round.

Other notable names to have played in final qualifying but missed out on a spot include PGA Tour fan favourite Max Homa, 2014 US Open runner-up Rickie Fowler, and two-time major winner Zach Johnson.

The US Open begins next Thursday night (AEST).