BEDMINSTER, N.J. — Henrik StensonAfter being removed as European Ryder Cup Captain, had a happy return in golf. He made eight birdies in his LIV Golf Invitational debut at Bedminster and shot a 7-under 64 to share an 18-hole lead. Patrick Reed.
Phil Mickelsons return to this area was not happy.
While he was teeing at Trump National Bedminster a spectator shouted, “Do it for the Saudi royals!”
Mickelson is a popular player in the New York area. He won a PGA Championship near Baltusrol and finished as a runner up four times at U.S. New York Opens He is now seen as the chief recruiter. Greg NormanSaudi-funded LIV Golf Series. After making disparaging remarks about the Saudis, and the PGA Tour, he sat out for four months earlier in the year.
I think this is a place Ive always loved to play in. Mickelson said that the day was a success. It was a great day for everyone. It was not something I thought much about.
His day was not much better, especially at the end. He missed a 12-foot birdie shot on his final hole. Then he ran the 3-footer for par at 6 feet.
He said, Ill wait, and then realized he was farthest away from the hole, Is that still me?
He did that to get a bogey bogey finish, and a 75.
Former President Donald Trump was present at the pro-am on Thursday at his home golf course. He returned to view the first round.
Stenson was one among four new players who were added to the 48-man field of the third LIV PGA event. After pledging his full support to European tour, Stenson accepted the Ryder Cup captains role and signed on with LIV golf for a fee estimated to be around $50 million.
Last week, the tour fired him and LIV Golf announced his signing.
Stenson stated, Its nice being out there playing golf. Yes, its been a busy few weeks, but we keep our heads down and focus on the game of golf. We are just so happy to be able to play a solid round and go out and do that.
Its my best year-end performance, and I take a lot of credit for that.
Reed also scored 64 in his second LIV golf event. During the shotgun start, Reed made six birdies on a stretch of seven holes.
Phachara KhongwatmaiThailand had a 66 while Dustin JohnsonAnd Carlos OrtizEach had a score of 67 and were 3 shots ahead.
Charles Howell III(68) Jason KokrakLIV Golf also welcomed (69), while the fourth addition, Paul Casey, had an average of 73.
The 54-hole event pays $4 million to the winner. The top three teams compete for a $5million purse.
Mickelson opened with a 69 in the first LIV outside London event. He has now posted either 75 or76 in each of his six subsequent rounds.
Mickelson stated, Im just frustrated with my game to be honest. It doesnt feel so far away. I don’t feel lost, but I’m not scoring. I was frustrated that I expected more from myself, and I ended up three-putting the last two holes with makeable birdsies. I will continue to work on it until it is fixed.
LIV Golf announced Friday that the two-time Masters champion was named champion Bubba WatsonIn 2023, he would join the series. Watson, who is currently No. Watson, who is No.86 in the world. He has been recovering after knee surgery and said that he would not be ready for competition until October.
The series will conclude with three events in October in Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Watson will serve as a non-playing captain for a team at the next event outside Boston in September. He will also contribute to streaming commentary.
