Bryson DeChambeau Overcomes Topped Tee Shot, Shares Lead at LIV Golf Adelaide
Bryson DeChambeau shrugged off an unusual mishit to open with a 6-under 66 and share the first-round lead at LIV Golf Adelaide. The two-time major champion turned a tee-box miscue into a highlight, then birdied his way into contention alongside local favorite Marc Leishman.
From a topped tee shot to a two-putt birdie
On the par-5 10th at The Grange Golf Club, DeChambeau produced a shot you rarely see at the professional level: a massive swing that struck the ball on the tee box and sent it scampering forward. The ball bounced off a cart path and eventually came to rest about 245 yards down the hole. Instead of panic, DeChambeau followed with a stunning 3-wood measured at roughly 287 yards that left him 27 feet from the hole. He two-putted for birdie.
“It was a great line drive into the tee box and bounced it off the cart path, ” DeChambeau said. “I had a nice scuff mark. Some kid has a nice scuff marked ball out there. Then it was a perfect 287-yard 3-wood to 27 feet, and nice two-putt for birdie. What else is there?
“Last time I did that was 2021 Players Championship off the 4th tee box and it cost me the Players. I’ve done it before. But that shot was more of a thin shot. I just hit too far down on the ball. I actually struck it nicely. It was a perfect strike right into the tee box. It was awesome. Got to make sure I don’t hit it with too negative an attack angle next time. ”
DeChambeau’s flourish was part of an otherwise controlled round that produced seven birdies and a lone bogey at the fourth. The 6-under total put him level with Leishman atop the leaderboard after Thursday’s opening 18 holes.
Leaderboard, contenders and the team picture
Marc Leishman joined DeChambeau at the top after a steady start in Adelaide. A number of notable names were close behind: teammates Dustin Johnson and Anthony Kim sit one stroke back at 5-under, sharing third place. Kim, who recently earned his way back into competition earlier this year, paired with Johnson in a strong showing that keeps their team within striking distance as the event moves forward.
Jon Rahm opened with a 4-under 68 and was inside the top five following the first day. The Grange has drawn big local support, particularly for the all-Australian roster whose home crowds have been loud and engaged. For the first time, this Adelaide stop is scheduled over four days, giving the local teams an extra round to build momentum and fan support.
Beyond individual positioning, the event features significant financial stakes. The tournament carries a reported $20 million purse, with the individual winner set to earn $4 million. The team title will deliver a $3 million payout under the event’s prize framework, and additional prize pots reward top-performing teams and players across the leaderboard. Everyone in the field is guaranteed a minimum purse payout, and top-10 finishes bring substantial seven-figure returns for competitors.
What’s next at The Grange
With three rounds remaining, the leaderboard is tightly bunched and poised for movement. DeChambeau’s mix of power and short-game proficiency will be tested across the weekend, while Leishman and the chasing group will be looking to capitalize on home-course energy. Team dynamics also loom large: captains and rosters have the chance to swing not just individual fortunes but sizeable team payouts as final scores are tallied over the next three days.
Expect the weekend to unfold under intense local interest and high-stakes financial incentives, with leaders trying to balance aggression and control on a course that has already delivered some unusual — and memorable — golf.
