LIV Golf
Bryson Hits the Ground Running at Korea
Bryson DeChambeau has stamped his authority all over Asiad Country Club in Round 1, carding a five-under 65 to share the lead alongside Charles Howell III and Scott Vincent. The trio’s electric opening salvo sets the tone for what’s shaping up as a wide-open championship, with eight players within four shots of the summit.
DeChambeau’s return to form is significant. After weathering a two-year drought, he’s clearly eager to translate his recent optimism about LIV Golf’s direction into tangible results. Howell and Vincent have matched him stroke-for-stroke, suggesting Asiad is playing generous enough for multiple birdie runs across the field.
Our Pre-Tournament Pick
Jon Rahm opened with an even-par 70, leaving him adrift of the leaders but hardly out of the picture. We tipped him pre-event and he’s currently tied well down the order, some five shots behind the leading trio. With three rounds to play and no cut in the LIV Golf format, Rahm has every opportunity to mount a charge if he finds his rhythm over the next 54 holes.
Who’s in Contention
Bryson DeChambeau sits at the head of affairs with a 2.75/1 shot at bet365. He’s the clear favourite, having dismantled Asiad’s opening day with precision and aggression. Charles Howell III and Scott Vincent are both at five-under, making them genuine contenders, though Howell sits at 9/1 and Vincent at 10/1 reflecting market confidence in DeChambeau’s superiority.
Joaquin Niemann lurks just one shot back at four-under and carries 5/1 odds, positioning him as the most credible challenger if the leaders stumble. Thomas Pieters, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia are all very much within striking distance at four and three-under respectively, with the field compressed tightly enough that Round 2 could reshape the leaderboard entirely.
Round 2 Betting Angles
Watch for players coming off even-par or one-under rounds to ignite on day two. The scoring pattern from Round 1 suggests Asiad rewards aggressive play, and depth charges from mid-pack names like Anirban Lahiri and Branden Grace could materialise quickly if they catch the right conditions.
DeChambeau’s lead is commanding but not insurmountable. At five-under after 18 holes, he’ll face heightened expectations and sharper eyes from the chasing pack. Niemann at 5/1 represents value if he can post another sub-par card. Sergio Garcia at 20/1 is worth a sneaky look, too, given his experience and the permissive nature of the leaderboard.
Rahm’s 70 was steady rather than special, but his absence from the top ten means fewer eyes on him come Round 2. If he produces a low round here, the odds could tighten considerably, offering good value for those who believe in a bounce-back.
Our Updated Pick
Odds: 5/1 – bet365
Niemann is just one shot behind the leaders after a composed four-under 66 and sits at odds that accurately reflect his position without over-inflating DeChambeau’s dominance. At 5/1, he offers genuine value across the remaining three rounds, particularly in a format where no cut means the field stays bunched. His form and proximity to the lead make him the smart play on the leaderboard as it stands.
Top 5 After Round 1
| Pos | Player | R1 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bryson DeChambeau | 65 | -5 |
| 2 | Charles Howell III | 65 | -5 |
| 3 | Scott Vincent | 65 | -5 |
| 4 | Joaquin Niemann | 66 | -4 |
| 5 | Thomas Pieters | 66 | -4 |
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