LIV Golf
Korea 2026: 54-Hole Leaderboard and Final Round Preview
Talor Gooch and Joaquin Niemann are locked in a tie at the summit of Korea 2026, both sitting at 9-under with 18 holes remaining at Asiad Country Club. Gooch fired a scorching 63 in Round 2 to share the lead, whilst Niemann clawed back four shots in the same round to draw level. Scott Vincent is the closest challenger at 8-under, one stroke adrift. The stage is set for a thrilling finale in what has been an explosive 54-hole battle.
Our Pre-Tournament Pick
Jon Rahm entered Korea as our selection to win the event. The Spaniard sits T7 after two rounds at 1-under par, very much in the mix but needing a significant shift in momentum to challenge the leaders. Rahm’s Round 2 of 68 steadied the ship after an opening 70, but he trails Gooch and Niemann by ten shots with four holes of golf still to play. A closing round in the low-to-mid 60s would keep him alive, though the gap is substantial.
Who’s in Contention
Talor Gooch and Joaquin Niemann are co-leaders at 9-under. Gooch’s explosive second round suggests he’s in the form to close out the title, whilst Niemann’s four-shot improvement on Day 2 shows tenacity and grit. The market backs Niemann slightly at 1.75/1 versus Gooch’s 4/1, but both men are legitimate favorites.
Scott Vincent lurks two shots back at 8-under and sits 5.5/1 to win. A low third round would bring him into the reckoning quickly. Charles Howell III and Cameron Smith are both at 7-under but drifting in the markets at 10/1 and 7.5/1 respectively. Bryson DeChambeau, despite a sluggish Round 2 (plus-1), remains in the conversation at 6-under and 8.5/1, though his challenge appears to have stalled.
Round 3 Betting Angles
The gap between the leaders and the field is tight enough to invite bold betting. Niemann’s odds of 1.75/1 are too short given Gooch’s form, and we’d lean toward value on Scott Vincent at 5.5/1 if he can post a score in the 64-66 range. Howell III at 10/1 is underpriced if he catches fire, though his Round 2 of level par suggests caution.
Watch Cameron Smith closely. At 7-under and 7.5/1, he’s just two shots adrift and proved he can score in Round 2 with a 68. A repeat performance puts real heat on the leaders. Ben Campbell, whilst 50/1, carded back-to-back 69s and sits six-under: stability breeds opportunities in a tight finish.
Dustin Johnson at 18/1 is a long shot but worth monitoring. Six-under and only three back from the lead, he showed promise with a Round 2 of 70 but needs a career low to muscle into contention.
Our Updated Pick
Odds: 5.5/1 – bet365
Vincent sits 8-under, just two shots off the pace, and his Round 2 of 70 was measured rather than explosive. He’s the kind of player who can chain back-to-back solid rounds, and at 5.5/1 he offers better value than either co-leader. A closing 65 or better would give him every chance to win outright. Gooch and Niemann are enticing favorites, but Vincent’s odds suggest the market is underestimating his pedigree in tight finishes.
Top 5 After Round 2
| Pos | Player | R1 | R2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talor Gooch | 69 | 63 | -9 |
| 2 | Joaquin Niemann | 66 | 69 | -9 |
| 3 | Scott Vincent | 65 | 70 | -8 |
| 4 | Charles Howell III | 65 | 70 | -7 |
| 5 | Cameron Smith | 67 | 68 | -7 |
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