LIV is back in action in Hong Kong, the first leg of a two-week tour in Asia, and at Fanling which saw one of the wildest playoffs in LIV history last season!
For the most part, the field performed admirably with plenty of surprises and a few letdowns among LIV’s elite.
Both the individual and team race for trophies figures to be ultra-tight all the way until championship Sunday. Here’s a snapshot of last night’s action!
Casey’s Flawless Day One Has Him Leading by Two
Paul Casey, who lost out during the three-way playoff in Hong Kong last season is out for revenge.
The Crushers standout had himself a perfect day, shooting a 63 by way of shooting five birdies and an eagle.
After Friday’s conclusion, Casey stands alone at the top of the leaderboard ready to dominate the next two days and claim an individual trophy of his own.
Not only is Casey putting himself in position for a win, in true Crushers team fashion, he had led the team to share first place overall with Torque.
“I’ve always been a global traveller and enjoyed the challenge of trying to tick another country off on the win list,” said the 47-year-old Englishman.
“It’s something that always kind of excited me, to win around golf courses with history that are iconic.
So, you can be assured that I’m trying very hard this week because I’d love to add this one to the list.”
Can Casey find redemption on championship Sunday, or will 2025 be a repeat of the exciting, but ultimately unsuccessful 2024 campaign?
Captains Lead by Example
Leadership was on display at Fanling with six captains finishing the day in the Top 15, including one huge surprise!
Joaco Niemann (T14) and Bryson DeChambeau (T8) lead their teams to a first-place tie (12-under par), respectively, in the standings while Bubba Watson (T14) continued to make the case for comeback player of the year.
The Majesticks’ Henrik Stenson (T8), one of our fantasy picks for the week, had himself a day with a perfect round that included four birdies.
Sergio (T2) put the Fireballs into sole possession of third place while Martin Kaymer (T2) is seeking his best finish since joining LIV.
Mickelson Back in Business
Despite shooting four bogies, Mickelson was able to overcome every mistake with an incredible seven birdies.
Phil’s putting was on point and was a constant highlight over the course of Friday.
While Fanling’s Par 4s were Phil’s kryptonite, there’s reason to believe that this master of the game will have learned from his mistakes and tackle Saturday and Sunday.
It could be some kind of weekend for Phil and his HyFlyers as the team has put themselves in position for an ultra-rare podium finish.
Youth Movement: McKibbin Falters, Masaveu Prevails
Legion XIII’s Tom McKibbin (T14) found himself in an unusual spot midway through Day One, alone in first place.
Starting on Fanling’s 12th hole, McKibbin started his day with six straight birdies before a disastrous backend which included a double-bogey on the 10th.
Meanwhile, the exact opposite scenario was unfolding for one of LIV’s newest and youngest signees in Fireball’s Luis Masaveu (T2).
Masaveu started the day ho-hum with several pars and an early mistake before making his first of two eagles on the 3rd, and later on lucky 13.
Masaveu finished the day tied with his captain Sergio Garcia, again proving that the Fireballs could make a run at being the best team in the league for 2025.
