Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Lee Westwood in share of lead at four-under after first round at LIV Golf Singapore
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau opened strongly at the LIV Golf Singapore event, sharing the first-round lead after testing conditions at Sentosa Golf Club.
Rahm, fresh from his victory at LIV Golf Hong Kong last week, carded a four-under 67 to sit alongside DeChambeau, Lee Westwood and Richard T. Lee at the top of the leaderboard.
Rahm leads Legion XIII charge
The Spaniard’s team, Legion XIII, enjoyed an impressive start with all four players contributing solid scores. Rahm’s 67 was backed up by Tyrrell Hatton (68), Caleb Surratt (69) and Tom McKibbin (69), giving the team a combined score of 11-under.
After the opening round, Legion XIII hold a six-shot advantage over Crushers GC, captained by DeChambeau.
Rahm admitted the course became increasingly difficult during the second half of his round due to shifting winds.
“The final nine holes were tough because the wind kept switching,” Rahm said. “It’s not an easy golf course. The greens are rolling perfectly, but you have to hit fairways and be very accurate with your irons.”
A key factor in Rahm’s strong start was his performance on the par fives, where he converted all three for birdies.
“I’m hitting the ball better off the tee and that makes a big difference on the par fives,” he added. “Once the ball is in play, I’m long enough to have comfortable numbers into the greens.”
DeChambeau fights back after early frustration
DeChambeau’s round included a frustrating moment from a bunker early in the day, but the American recovered strongly on the back nine. He finished with three consecutive birdies to join the lead at four-under.
“There was a real fight out there,” DeChambeau said. “The wind kept flipping and it was frustrating, but I made some tough putts for par and finished with three birdies, which was great.”
With the The Masters approaching, DeChambeau believes the demanding layout at Sentosa provides ideal preparation.
“It’s a tough golf course and a great test before a major, especially with greens like these,” he said. “I played well, but I still want to feel a bit more comfortable.”
Westwood and Lee keep pace
Veteran English golfer Westwood also posted a 67 despite recently battling a wrist injury. Apart from strapping on his arm, the former world No.1 showed little sign of discomfort while producing a steady performance from tee to green.
Meanwhile, Lee produced one of the standout moments of the day with a hole-out from a bunker, helping him secure his share of the lead.
Defending champion Joaquín Niemann sits just two shots behind after carding a 69, keeping him firmly in contention as the tournament heads into the second round.
