ORLANDO, Florida: Brooks Koepka became known for showing up big in the majors. He started to hit his stride Saturday with a 6-under 65 for a three-shot lead in LIV Golf-Orlando on the weekend before Koepka heads for the Masters.
Koepka played bogey-free at Orange County National. Sebastian Munoz of Colombia, who followed his 62 with an even-par 71, was second.
Mito Pereira (66), Laurie Canter (66) and Patrick Reed (67) were four shots back.
Koepka will try to become the first multiple winner since the Saudi-funded LIV Golf began last June. He won a year ago in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a playoff over Peter Uihlein. Before that, Koepka’s last win was in February 2021 in the Phoenix Open as he battled a various assortment of injuries.
“Just got rid of the mental mistakes,” Koepka said.
He considered his previous two LIV Golf tournaments this year in Mexico and Tucson — what he called “dumb mistakes” at Mayakoba and “then go to Tucson and I played the tough holes really well and played the easy ones probably the worst in the field.”
Koepka won four majors in a span of three years — two US Opens and two PGA Championships. The Masters starts next week at Augusta National.
“Every time I try to play the week before a major, it’s always just to make sure my game is in good shape,” he said. “Just kind of go down the checklist of trying to make better decisions than normal. Just trying to play disciplined golf because when I go to a major, I’m so disciplined, and I think sometimes I can get a little bit carefree in regular events, firing at flags, missing on the wrong side. And I don’t do that in majors.”
Dustin Johnson (70) and British Open champion Cameron Smith (68) were seven shots behind. LIV Golf has 18 players who will be at the Masters next week.
In the team competition, Smash has a two-shot lead over Torque.
Koepka takes 3-shot lead in LIV Golf event ahead of Masters
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Koepka takes 3-shot lead in LIV Golf event ahead of Masters
- Koepka aims to become the first multiple winner since the Saudi-funded LIV Golf began last June
- He won a year ago in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in a playoff over Peter Uihlein
LIV Golf Hong Kong dates announced as event leadership reaffirms commitment to the region
- Fourth edition to take place Feb. 18-21, 2027, at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling
- Scott O’Neil: Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our international calendar and an important gateway for golf’s continued growth in Asia
HONG KONG: LIV Golf today announced the dates for HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong 2027, which will return for its fourth edition from Feb. 18-21, continuing its long-term commitment to the region and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of Asia’s premier destinations for global sport and entertainment.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling by Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO; Andrea de Vincentiis, HSBC managing director and global head of brand partnerships; and Andy Kwok, Hong Kong Golf Club captain.
The 2027 dates align the tournament within Hong Kong’s vibrant calendar of major international events and reinforce a sustained multi-year partnership between LIV Golf, HSBC, the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong Golf Club.
HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong will continue to be an “M” Mark event in 2027, helping promote Hong Kong as a center for international sports events. The “M” Mark status, awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolizes signature events in the territory’s sports calendar.
Ticket holders for this week’s event, which takes place Thursday, March 5, through Sunday, March 8, will have exclusive early access to specially priced 2027 tickets beginning this Sunday at LIVGolf.com. Organizers thanked the Hong Kong Tourism Board for the continued event support, including planning and promotion.
O’Neil said: “Hong Kong is a cornerstone of our international calendar and an important gateway for golf’s continued growth in Asia. As the world’s golf league, LIV Golf is committed to investing in dynamic markets like Hong Kong, where sport, entertainment and culture are celebrated and recognized on a global scale.
“Announcing our 2027 event a year in advance is a testament to the local support and momentum building in Hong Kong. I want to thank our partners at HSBC, the HKSAR Government, and Hong Kong Golf Club, who all share in our vision to grow the game and continue delivering a world-class event that connects with fans of all ages and brings significant economic impact to the region.”
De Vincentiis said: “HSBC has supported golf globally for more than 20 years, and our partnership with LIV Golf represents a natural evolution of that legacy. It reflects both our international network and our long-standing commitment to Hong Kong.
“HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong showcases the city to a global audience while contributing to the growth of the game across Asia. We are proud to continue our support to an event that aligns with our ambitions internationally and within this great community.”
Kwok said: “Established in 1889, Hong Kong Golf Club has a proud history of hosting world-class tournaments. We understand the responsibility that comes with staging global competition at this level.
“LIV Golf has brought new energy and new audiences to Fanling, while respecting the traditions of the game. We are proud to continue welcoming the league and its players to one of Asia’s most historic venues.”
Since its debut in Hong Kong in 2024, the tournament has produced memorable moments and showcased elite competition at one of Asia’s most respected championship venues.
Across its 14-event global schedule, LIV Golf events have generated more than $1 billion in economic impact for host cities worldwide, supporting tourism, hospitality and local communities while delivering international broadcast reach of over 900 million.
The 2026 edition takes place this week at Hong Kong Golf Club, featuring a 57-player international field competing across four days.
