Bryson DeChambeau opened with an 8-under-par 63 to take a one-shot lead over fellow major champions Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm at LIV Golf Mexico City on Friday.
DeChambeau eagled his first hole of the day, the short par-4 second at Club De Golf Chapultepec, and was 4 under through three. He carded just one bogey before finishing birdie-birdie-par-birdie.
In the thin air of Mexico City, DeChambeau averaged 370 yards per drive with three 400-yard drives, per a reporter.
“Yeah, 370 is about right,” DeChambeau said. “I was flying it that far on the driving range. I’m like, ‘OK, I think that’s going to be my average,’ and if the fairways get firm, it could be more. It could be a lot more.”
The team DeChambeau captains, Crushers GC, posted a collective score of 15 under to tie for first with Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC.
Smith paired nine birdies with two bogeys.
“Just kind of getting out of my own way today was really important and just trusting it,” Smith said. “It’s a tough golf course, especially to get it in the fairway, which is something that I’ve been struggling with. I decided to just kind of let it go and get out of my own way.”
As for Rahm, the Spaniard is third in the points standings so far this season but is still searching for his first win since September at LIV Golf Chicago.
He had the same total as Smith — nine birdies, two bogeys — which included a near-ace at his finishing hole, the par-3 18th. His ball skirted right past the cup and he made a short birdie putt.
Rahm was also pleased with his start of three birdies in a row.
“What better way to start it than with three birdies in a row,” Rahm said. “That just set the tone, and felt really comfortable on the greens all day. Couldn’t really have asked for a much better score.”
Bubba Watson is alone in fourth at 5-under 66. England’s Tyrrell Hatton is fifth at 4-under 67.
Bryson DeChambeau bombs his way to lead at LIV Golf Mexico City
https://arab.news/vvr7k
Bryson DeChambeau bombs his way to lead at LIV Golf Mexico City
- In the thin air of Mexico City, DeChambeau averaged 370 yards per drive with three 400-yard drives
- His team Crushers GC posted a collective score of 15 under to tie for first with Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC
International field confirmed for LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond
- The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem
NEW YORK: LIV Golf on Monday announced the preliminary field for the third edition of LIV Golf Promotions, set for Jan. 8–11, 2026, at the acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.
The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem, offering coveted spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League and The International Series, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Highlighting the global aspect of the LIV Golf League, leading players from all over the world are eligible to participate, with 87 players representing 24 countries registered to compete.
This year’s field features a strong blend of emerging global talent and proven professionals, with an average age of 30 years old, including former top-50-ranked players, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup participants, winners on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour, and additional rising stars in the game.
“The evolution of LIV Golf Promotions reflects our continued commitment to creating truly open and competitive pathways for players from all over the world to compete at the sport’s highest levels,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil.
“We’re seeing world-class talent, from decorated former amateurs to experienced professionals, all seizing the opportunity to compete for their place in the League alongside major champions, Hall of Famers, and rising stars.”
LIV Golf Promotions will consist of four rounds of 18-hole stroke play. Those who finish in the top 20 and ties from the first round will advance to Friday’s second round, where scores will reset, and the field will be joined by a category of players who automatically qualified for day two of competition. The top 20 players and any ties following round two will advance to the third day of competition, with scores reset once more. A 36-hole shootout will commence, and at Sunday’s conclusion, the top two finishers will earn two highly coveted spots in the LIV Golf League for 2026, as well as $200,000 for first place and $150,000 for second place. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series.
The current field features many standout names, including:
• Chris Wood (England): 2016 Ryder Cup player and three-time European Tour winner
• Pablo Ereno (Spain): 2025 Palmer Cup player and former sixth-ranked player in World Amateur Golf Rankings
• Miguel Tabuena (Philippines): Two-time Olympian and third-ranked player in 2025 International Series standings
• Christopher Wood (Australia): Current top-ranked player on the PGA Tour of Australasia
• Yuxin Lin (China): Two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion
• Alex Levy (France): Five-time DP World Tour winner.
LIV Golf League players without a 2026 team commitment who finished the season in the Open Zone (25th-48th), as well as relegated players (49th-54th), also have an opportunity to secure their playing rights for the 2026 season.
Several returning LIV Golf players are entered in the field, including Ben Campbell, who competed with RangeGoats GC and finished the season ranked 36th in the LIV Golf standings; Matt Jones, formerly of Ripper GC, who concluded the year in 40th place; and Anthony Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 6 who was a member of the victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup team, finishing the season ranked 55th.
For more information, including the list of eligibility criteria, visit LIVGolf.com.
