The opening round of the Aramco LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club saw four players shoot 4-under-par 67s on the challenging par-71 Serapong Course, sharing the early lead and setting up a thrilling week.
Among the round-one leaders were three team captains – Jon Rahm of Legion XIII, fresh off his LIV Golf Hong Kong victory last week, Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau, and Majesticks GC captain Lee Westwood – alongside wild card entrant Richard T. Lee.
Each demonstrated skill, resilience, and strategic acumen under the tough conditions at Sentosa Golf Club, managing tricky winds, firm greens, and demanding fairways to post impressive four-under-par 67s and claim positions atop the leaderboard.
Despite swirling winds over the last nine holes, Rahm navigated Sentosa calmly. “Towards the final nine, the wind started switching, so there were a few tricky shots,” he said.
“This golf course is not easy; the greens are firm and fast, so you’ve got to hit fairways and be accurate with your mid-irons. But everything’s clicking better this year, especially on the par-5s, which I’ve played well on since Hong Kong,” said the two-time Major champion.
Rahm’s steady play on long holes and ability to read challenging greens earned key birdies, keeping him atop the leaderboard.
Captain Bryson DeChambeau of Crushers GC. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf)
DeChambeau, known for his power and aggressive style, described his round as a battle against both the course and the elements.
“The wind was all over the place. On the 5th, my second shot increased in wind, and on the 15th, it switched on me. Luckily, I didn’t fall in the ocean,” he said with a wry smile.
Despite the shifting winds, he made three late birdies on 16, 17, and 18, with key par-saving putts.
“It’s a great test of golf out here,” he said. “I just need to hit my shots more consistently and stay comfortable on the greens. That’s where it’s going to make a difference.”
DeChambeau said the course played tougher because it was in better condition—the best he’s seen in years. He praised the greens as the fastest of his career, which helped him make putts.
He added, “The wind was flipping all over. By the time we got to 18, it had switched directions again. It was just a tricky golf course today.”
He added that fast greens suit his style and that refining his iron play is key before the major season.
Co-Captain Lee Westwood of Majesticks Golf Club (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf)
Majesticks GC co-captain Lee Westwood also carded a four-under-par 67 to join the early leaders. Coming off his first tournament of the LIV Golf season in Hong Kong last week, Westwood admitted he was pleasantly surprised with his form, given the challenges of returning from a wrist injury.
“Last week was the first time I’ve played in six months in a tournament… Seven weeks ago, I couldn’t hold the putter. The specialist was worried that I’d torn the sheath in the wrist and I would need surgery. To be sitting here, having had a good week last week and then leading this week, is a very pleasant surprise,” he said.
When asked about his affinity for Asia, Westwood reflected on his long history in the region. “I’ve been coming here a long time. I’ve won in Malaysia, and my first trip was to Templer Park in 1994 or 1995. I’ve played in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, and have won in all of them. I’ve felt comfortable in Asia from the start. While many experience culture shock, I’ve always loved it and enjoy returning to it. The golf courses and players have steadily improved here. I feel at home, even with this week’s extra heat. I cope with it well.”
Westwood, who played bogey-free in the opening round, praised the course’s challenging design and immaculate conditions. “The golf course is taking no prisoners today. The greens are some of the best I’ve ever seen, firm and true. You don’t have to get much out of position for it to become tricky,” he added.
Wild Card, Richard T. Lee. (Photo by Charles Laberge/LIV Golf)
Wild card Richard T. Lee, one of three players earning a spot via LIV Golf Promotions in January, quickly found his rhythm on a familiar course.
Lee started on the 6th, holed a bunker shot for birdie, and built momentum from there.
“I’ve played this course often on the Asian Tour, so I know the slopes and where to miss. Playing with great players and leading is amazing,” he said.
Lee acknowledged the adjustment to LIV Golf and said strong play could earn him a team spot next season.
Leading Results
Individual Top 10
T1 (-4) – Jon Rahm, Legion XIII (67); Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers (67); Lee Westwood, Majesticks (67); Richard T. Lee, Wild Card (67)
T5 (-3) – Louis Oosthuizen, Southern Guards (68); Tyrrell Hatton, Legion XIII (68); Thomas Detry, 4Aces (68); Marc Leishman, Ripper (68); Charles Howell III, Crushers (68); Cameron Tringale, HyFlyers (68); Matthew Wolff, RangeGoats (68)
Team Top 3
1 (-11) – Legion XIII (Rahm 67, Hatton 68, McKibbin 69, Surratt 69)
2 (-5) – Crushers GC (DeChambeau 67, Howell III 68, Casey 70, Lahiri 74)
3 (-4) – 4Aces GC (Detry 68, Kim 69, Johnson 71, Pieters 72)
