Whether in the training areas or at the start of 1, the reception from the public was more than adequate. No whistles, which would make Augusta a mess, but polite applause at the announcement of a player from the new league. On the course, the 18 representatives of the LIV experienced mixed fortunes. If Kevin Na, captain of the Iron Heads had to forfeit after 9 holes for medical reasons, Brooks Koepka, buoyed by his recent success in Orlando, has visibly regained his confidence.
The quadruple winner of Majors, 2nd at the Masters behind Woods in 2019, who dreams more than anything of hanging the green jacket in the middle of his trophy shelf, did not miss much this Thursday. And with more success in putting, Pete Cowen’s pupil could have done even better: at 9, Koepka misses a small 2 m for birdie, same thing at 10 before finally converting at 12 after a new mat crash. All this, under the eyes of Jena, his companion, all smiles after his 5th birdie of the day. Despite a bogey at 13, the Smash captain will offer himself three new birdies to the applause of the public at 15, 17 and 18 to finally complete his first lap in 65. A performance that allows Koepka to join Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm in top of the ranking.
« I got off to a good start and every time you’re 2 under par after three holes, it puts you in a good momentum, reacted Koepka. I took advantage of this momentum to continue my momentum. I hit the ball well all day and found the right areas. I missed a few small putts that would have allowed me to score even lower but -7, I take, it’s not bad. »
5 LIV players under par
Beautiful day for Cameron Smith. Third last year, the Ripper captain is in the top 20 after a lap completed in 70 (-2). Smith finds himself 17th.
A little earlier, Patrick Reed, cap and 4 Aces polo shirt on his head, returned a first card of 71 (-1) to rank 26th like Phil Mickelson and Joaquin Niemann.
« It was a frustrating day, I explained Reed. I hit 12 of the 14 fairways. At 15, I barely miss on the right, but I was able to make a good layup and birdie. Other than that, I didn’t achieve anything. I hit a lot of greens, but didn’t hole putts. »
“When I have the opportunity to play the Masters, it’s already a great day, whatever my score. I just try to enjoy the day and not put too much pressure on myself”
Phil Mickelson (71, -1 – 26e)
Watson and Oosthuizen in the hard
Behind, Talor Gooch is 37th place (par). A place that the RangeGoats player shares with his teammate Harold Varner III and Abram Ancer of the Fireballs. Jason Kokrak, Koepka’s Smash teammate ranks 45th (+1).
Sergio Garcia, winner of the 2017 Masters and captain of the Fireballs, is content with a first day in 74 (+2) and finds himself 54th like Thomas Pieters, Charl Schwartzel, Bryson DeChambeau and Mito Pereira.
Bubba Watson est 222e mondial. (Thomas Lovelock/Thomas lovelock/augusta national)
Complicated day on the other hand for Louis Oostuizen (76, +4) and Bubba Watson. The double winner of the event (2012 and 2014) signs a heavy 77 (+5). The RangeGoats captain is 78th.
Ranking by team
We had fun imagining a team ranking this week. The rule is simple: to have your team ranked, at least two representatives of the team must play this week. The two best scores are retained.
