Highlights: DeChambeau and Leishman top star-studded leaderboard in Adelaide
Video credit: TNT Sports
The full range of Bryson DeChambeau was on display at LIV Golf Adelaide, with the American producing “magic” on the sixth hole before “skulling” a drive on the 10th.
The 32-year-old finished the opening day at the Grange East Course joint top of the leaderboard, but it was not plain sailing for the two-time US Open champion.
On the sixth hole, the American found himself in a bunker beside the green, faced with an incredibly tricky shot to finish close to the pin.
“It’s going to take some magic here,” the TNT Sports commentary team said. “No green with which to work and landing on a downhill slope.”
But the American rolled just to the right of the hole, finishing within a foot. “Oh, that’s superb,” the commentary team said. “Just brilliant.”
Four holes later, DeChambeu completely mis-hit a drive, topping his tee shot on the 529-yard par five.
‘No way!’ – Watch as DeChambeau TOPS drive in Adelaide
Video credit: TNT Sports
The TNT Sports commentary team could not believe it. “No way,” they said. “Incredible! Have a look at this.
“That didn’t have any effect from the wind. There’s something you don’t see every day. Stone-cold skulled it!”
“Last time I did that was the 2021 Players Championship off the 4th tee box, and it cost me The Players,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve done it before. But that shot was more of a thin shot.
“[On Thursday] I just hit too far down on the ball. I actually struck it nicely. It was a perfect strike right into the tee box. It was awesome. Got to make sure I don’t hit it with too negative an attack angle next time.”
However, DeChambeau’s shot still travelled 245 yards, remarkably, before he made a superb recovery to find the green with his next shot and two-putt for a birdie.
He went on to top the leaderboard at six-under par, alongside local favourite Marc Leishman.
DeChambeau finished his first round superbly, with three birdies in the final four holes, while Leishman produced the only bogey-free round of the day.
The Australian said: “I made the putts that kept momentum going, which I think is important when it’s windy like today. You’ve got a gettable golf course, but it can also jump up and grab you.”
Dustin Johnson also had topped the leaderboard for a spell during his back, but a late bogey left him one off the pace.
The top two players of LIV Golf 2025, Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann, ended the day alongside McDowell on four-under, two off the lead.
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