Casey Eyes Hong Kong Triumph in Bogey-Free Round
HONG KONG – Paul Casey, the globetrotting English golfer with 21 wins across 13 different countries, is on the hunt for his first victory in Hong Kong. At LIV Golf Hong Kong, Casey seized the first-round lead with a flawless 7-under 63, catapulting his team, Crushers GC, to a share of the team leaderboard with Torque GC. The 47-year-old’s global career has taken him to iconic courses around the world, but adding a win in Hong Kong to his list remains a cherished ambition. "I’ve always been a global traveler and enjoyed the challenge of trying to tick another country off on the win list," Casey remarked. "It’s something that always kind of excited me, to win around golf courses with history that are iconic."
Near Miss and Resilient Performance
Casey came agonizingly close to winning in Hong Kong last year, advancing to the three-man playoff but ultimately finishing third after a bogey on the 18th playoff hole. On Friday, he faced a similar challenge on the 18th, where his approach shot found the water. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience by holing his chip for par and finishing with three birdies in his last seven holes. "It’s got our full respect every time we play it," Casey said about the 18th. "So to find the water, take a drop, and chip in for par was huge."
Notable Contenders and Wild Card Success
Casey enters the second round with a two-shot lead over six players, including captains Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer, as well as Peter Uihlein, Luis Masaveu, Sebastián Muñoz, and Chieh-Po Lee. Lee, a Wild Card player from Chinese Taipei, is making waves with the best position for a Wild Card player after any round. Lee, who struggled in his first two LIV Golf starts, credits a change in mindset and familiarity with Hong Kong Golf Club for his improved performance. "Today, I just felt more comfortable, not like the first two events," Lee said.
Team Dynamics and Individual Highlights
Among the six players tied for eighth at 4 under is Casey’s team captain, Bryson DeChambeau, who is pursuing his first win on a course under 6,900 yards. DeChambeau, known for his powerful play, is optimistic about his chances. "Paul, just being the ball-striker he is, the Popeye forearms and great iron player, he loves this place," DeChambeau said. "It’s an iron player’s paradise." However, DeChambeau is not ready to concede the tournament to Casey. "I’m happy for Paul being at 7 under, but I’m going to come kick his ass here by the end of the week," he said with a smile.
Team Scores and Key Performances
The new scoring format in LIV Golf, where all four scores count in the team competition, saw Crushers GC and Torque GC leading the pack at -12. Notable team performances included HyFlyers GC and Iron Heads GC at -9, Majesticks GC at -8, and RangeGoats GC at -7. Individual highlights included Muñoz, who started with a bogey but reeled off five consecutive birdies, and Martin Kaymer, who posted a solid bogey-free 65, signaling a potential resurgence after a disappointing start to the season.
Course Challenges and Player Insights
The Hong Kong Golf Club, playing at 6,691 yards, posed unique challenges, particularly for players like DeChambeau, who noted the importance of precise iron play. "My wedges are not great right now," DeChambeau admitted. "I’ve got to figure that out. This golf course is really unique and cool. There’s a lot of holes you can get after it, but you’ve got to have your iron play just on point." Phil Mickelson, another standout, credited his improved putting to a new putter and the AimPoint technique advised by his caddie, Jon Yarbrough. "He’s really helped me on these greens to get a better visual of what the ball is going to do," Mickelson said. As the tournament progresses, the competition promises to be fierce, with many players eager to claim their slice of glory in this historic setting.
