Amidst all of recent LIV drama, there is still golf to be played as the now mysteriously funded Tour headed to Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey with the hopes of putting the headlines behind them and Holywood’s Tom McKibbin can be satisfied with his start.
The 23-year-old didn’t make his first birdie until the eighth hole but that was quickly undone by two bogeys at the 11th and 12th. Two more birdies came, alongside another bogey as he took on the 18th at level-par. McKibbin made a four at the par-5 18th to post a one-under 70 and sit T10.
McKibbin is currently 29th in the LIV individual standings on 120.27 points, and New York is the penultimate individual event of the LIV season, meaning there are only two more opportunities – here and Indianapolis – to improve his position before the Individual Championship is decided.
McKibbin has been consistent but without quite producing a breakthrough, with a best finish of T5 in Mexico City this season. He also arrives in New York off a T20 at LIV Golf UK, where he closed with a 3-under 68.
The Belfast man sits highest amongst his Legion XIII teammates, with team captain Jon Rahm two strokes behind him at one-over. Rahm’s future has been in the news as LIV CEO Scott O’Neil admitted he cannot confirm whether Rahm or Bryson DeChambeau will remain with LIV. DeChambeau sits much further back at T49 after a five-over-par first round – his highest ever on LIV.
Graeme McDowell’s year on LIV continues to worsen as he sits bottom of the leaderboard at nine-over-par after 18-holes. 47-year-old GMac failed to make a single birdie in New Jersey.
Joaquin Niemann leads after a bogey-free seven-under-par 63. The Chilean made five birdies on the front nine to put himself in prime position. The last time the 27-year-old held a solo lead in the first round was two and a half years ago in Mexico – Niemann would then go on to win.
“It’s obviously super nice to be back here at Bedminster. It’s a proper golf course. Conditions are unbelievable. It’s one of those courses that is asking you to be committed on every shot,” said Niemann.
The Torque GC captain’s putter seemed it could not miss as Niemann credited his performance to his routine.
“I’m just excited right now for the chance to be leading in the first round. Just go out there and try to deliver the best I can as well. Go figure it out, stick to my routine, stick to my shots, be a hundred percent committed on every shot,” he said.
Niemann is followed by Ian Poulter and Lucas Herbert who hold T2 at five-under.
50-year-old Poulter’s form has improved significantly in his recent appearances. He has three top 20s in his last four LIV Golf starts, including a season-best T15 in the UK, and he also finished solo fourth in his senior major debut at the U.S. Senior Open.
“I stuck to my game plan, got off to a quick start, made a couple of quick birdies, which is lovely. Really got into a nice rhythm of hitting some good second shots and giving myself plenty of looks. I rolled the ball lovely today,” said Poulter.
Regarding teamed scoring, Niemann’s Torque GC lead at four-under followed by Ripper GC and HyFlyers GC at one-under. Ripper GC captain Cam Smith can thank Lucas Herbert for his low round as it had undone Smith’s +4 to keep the team under-par.
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