A three-putt on Augusta National’s 18th hole has left Marc Leishman “fuming” but Australia’s form player this year says it will fire him up to have a hot second round at the Masters.

Leishman hit the par-4 18th in two but three-putted for bogey to prevent him finishing under par.

However, an even-par 72 has the world No. 20 well in the mix just three shots behind clubhouse co-leader Adam Scott (69).

With play still underway, 2013 Masters winner Scott is joined in a share of the clubhouse lead at three under by South Africa’s Justin Harding and Jon Rahm (69).

Leishman’s rollercoaster scorecard contained five birdies, three bogeys and a momentum-crippling double-bogey six at the par-4 10th moments after he had made the turn in one under.

“There’s something about three-putting the last hole that always makes you walk off with a few fumes coming out where they shouldn’t be,” Leishman said.

“When you’re having doubles and three putts and a few average shots, it was hard.

“But even par is not the worst start in the world, it’s not far back at all.

“It’s just disappointing because I felt like I could have shot five or six under today.”

Leishman, who finished ninth at last year’s Masters and tied fourth behind Scott when he won in 2013, has backed his sensational form on the US PGA Tour this season to return in time for Friday’s second round.

Leishman is the only Australian to win a PGA Tour event this season and has three top-four results in the US this year.

It is also his seventh Masters and the 35-year-old knows a Thursday 72 has given him a chance to remain in contention.

“My game’s really good, I’m playing well,” he said.

“Three back right now is nothing. Three back with nine to go (in the final round) is nothing, so with 54 holes to go I think I’m still a pretty good chance.”

-AAP