Incheon: American golfer Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, is leading the pack at LIV Golf Korea after 36 holes. DeChambeau, who captains the Crushers Golf Club (GC), posted a six-under 66 on Saturday, putting him at 13-under after the tournament's first two rounds at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, approximately 30 kilometers west of Seoul. He currently holds a four-stroke lead over Richard Bland of the Cleeks GC going into Sunday's final round, having not carded a bogey throughout the week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this tournament marks the first LIV Golf event held in South Korea, comprising 54 holes with a total prize pool of US$25 million for 54 players. Out of these, 52 players are associated with one of LIV Golf's 13 teams, while two are nonaffiliated wild card players. The individual winner of the tournament will receive $4 million, while the top team will earn $3 million. Unlike traditional tournaments, LIV Golf events do not feature a cut.
DeChambeau initially shared the opening-round lead with Talor Gooch at seven-under. Gooch shot an even-par 72 on Saturday, dropping him to a tie for sixth place. Among the South Korean participants, Kim Min-kyu, who is temporarily replacing the injured Ben Campbell of the RangeGoats GC, carded a 72 on Saturday, totaling three-under and tying for 21st. Meanwhile, Jang Yu-bin, who joined the Iron Heads GC last December, shot a 71 and is three-over for the tournament, tying him for 43rd place.
Kevin Na, the Korean American captain of the Iron Heads, is tied for 18th place at four-under after consecutive rounds of 70. His teammate, Danny Lee, originally from Incheon and now a Kiwi, struggled with three double bogeys, resulting in a 77 and placing him at six-over for the tournament, currently in 52nd place. Anthony Kim, a wild card entry known for his past success on the PGA Tour, is at nine-over following a 74 on Saturday, marking his return to professional golf after a long hiatus.