Early Celebration with a Spectacular Hole-in-One
ADELAIDE, South Australia — Patrick Reed set the tone for the Friday opening round at LIV Golf Adelaide with a bang, literally. Just 20 minutes after the shotgun start, Reed aced the 151-yard par-3 12th hole, known as the Watering Hole, with an 8-iron. The moment was reminiscent of Chase Koepka’s ace at the same hole two years ago, and it sent the crowd into a frenzy. Reed, who has now recorded five competitive aces in his career, couldn’t help but smile. “It’s awesome to give the fans what they want,” he said. “That’s why we want to be out here: Golf, but louder.” Despite the early fireworks, Reed finished the day with a 1-over 73, which was one of the few blemishes on an otherwise challenging day at The Grange Golf Club.
Torque GC Dominates the Opening Round
While Reed’s hole-in-one was the highlight, it was Torque GC that dominated the leaderboard. Sam Horsfield of Majesticks GC took the individual lead with a stellar 6-under 66, the only bogey-free round of the day. Horsfield’s performance was a testament to his recent form, as he has only made one bogey in his last 60 holes, dating back to last week’s LIV Golf Riyadh. His teammates Joaquin Niemann and Carlos Ortiz both shot impressive 67s, helping Torque GC secure the team lead at 8 under. Niemann, who tied for third in Adelaide a year ago and won the Australian Open in 2023, felt the energy from the enthusiastic Australian crowd. “The Australian crowd is really good. They kind of like me a little bit, I think, and you can feel the energy,” he said. Ortiz echoed Niemann’s sentiments, adding that the atmosphere in Adelaide is probably the best he has experienced in any tournament. “It’s an amazing game, and hard work and perseverance can bring you a long way,” Horsfield reflected, summing up the day’s success.
Defending Champions Struggle
Defending champions Ripper GC faced a tough challenge from the outset, despite receiving massive support from their Australian fans. The all-Australian team struggled to find their rhythm, finishing the day 11 shots behind Torque GC. Captain Cameron Smith shot a 72, while Lucas Herbert was the only member to break par with a 1-under 71. Marc Leishman and Matt Jones contributed 73 and 75, respectively. The team will need a strong showing over the weekend to catch up. “Certainly, this is one of the best LIV events if not the best LIV event on our schedule, and it’s a joy coming back here with the fans and the people and the atmosphere,” shared Bryson DeChambeau, whose Crushers GC also had a solid start, finishing at 5 under.
Notable Performances from Major Winners
Multiple major winners were among the day’s top performers. Dustin Johnson, a perennial favorite, shot a 68, while Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka also finished strong with scores of 68 and 69, respectively. DeChambeau, known for his aggressive play, was particularly impressive on the front nine, going 4 under. However, poor swings at the par-5 ninth led to a double-bogey 7, which stalled his momentum. Despite the setback, he finished strong and remains in contention for his first individual LIV Golf title since 2023. “You can’t get too far ahead of yourself thinking, oh, can I drive it or lay it back or whatnot. It’s so situational,” DeChambeau explained, highlighting the importance of adaptability on the tricky course. Johnson and Koepka’s performances further underscored the competitive nature of the event.
The Watering Hole: A Test of Skill and Nerves
The Watering Hole, the 12th hole, lived up to its reputation as a challenging yet exciting part of the course. Patrick Reed’s hole-in-one was a rare feat, and only four birdies were made on this 151-yard par-3 throughout the day. The stroke average of 3.130 made it the third most difficult hole on the course. Carlos Ortiz, one of the few who managed a birdie, credited a combination of a normal shot and a long putt. “It’s not easy because there is quite a bit of cross wind and you can’t feel it,” he said. The packed crowd around the hole added to the pressure, making every successful shot a moment to celebrate.
Phil Mickelson Returns and Team Statistics
HyFlyers GC Captain Phil Mickelson made his return to LIV Golf after missing the season opener in Riyadh with a shoulder injury. The six-time major winner shot an even-par 72 and is tied for 28th, a solid start considering his recent absence. Meanwhile, the day’s statistics reveal some intriguing trends. Kevin Na led in driving accuracy, hitting 13 of 14 fairways, while David Puig had the longest drive at 345.2 yards on the 17th hole. Yubin Jang was the most accurate in reaching greens in regulation, hitting 16 of 18. Brooks Koepka’s putting, averaging just 1.22 putts per hole, was a key factor in his 69. Sam Horsfield’s bogey-free round of 66 was the standout performance, setting the stage for a weekend of intense competition. As the tournament progresses, the leaderboard is likely to see more dramatic shifts, making this event a must-watch for golf enthusiasts.
