Paul Casey surged to the top of the leaderboard at LIV Golf Hong Kong on Friday with an impressive 7-under-par 63, securing the opening-round lead at the Hong Kong Golf Club. The Englishman recorded six birdies and an eagle, putting himself in a prime position to claim his first victory in Hong Kong.
Casey Seeks Redemption
Casey, 47, is eager to avenge his disappointment from the 2024 edition of the tournament, where a bogey on the final hole denied him a place in a three-man playoff that was eventually won by Mexico's Abraham Ancer. This year, he appears determined to go the distance.
"I've always been a global traveler and enjoyed the challenge of trying to tick another country off on the win list," Casey said. "Winning on historic, iconic golf courses has always excited me. You can be assured that I'm trying very hard this week because I'd love to add this one to the list."
The Chasing Pack
Casey holds a two-shot lead over a group of six players who finished at 5-under 65. This group includes:
- Sergio Garcia (Spain)
- Luis Masaveu (Spain)
- Sebastian Munoz (Colombia)
- Martin Kaymer (Germany)
- Peter Uihlein (USA)
- Chieh-Po Lee (Taiwan), the LIV Golf Promotions winner and tournament wild-card entry
Another six players sit at 4-under, including Bryson DeChambeau, who has never won on a course under 6,900 yards. The Hong Kong course played at 6,691 yards, a layout that seemingly suits Casey's precise iron play.
Team Competition Heats Up
Casey’s strong start helped Crushers GC, alongside DeChambeau, reach 12-under in the team competition, putting them in a tie with Torque GC. The defending team champions are aiming to repeat last year's success.
DeChambeau, known for his explosive drives, praised Casey’s performance.
"I know he wants to win out here. He's got an incredible game, and he hasn't won in a while, and he wants to prove that," DeChambeau said. "He's got a little bit of fire in his belly right now. It’s good. He loves this golf course."
Despite a solid 66, DeChambeau admitted that his wedge play was holding him back.
"My wedges are not great right now," he said. "This golf course is unique and cool. You can go after it, but your iron play has to be sharp. If it's not, you're going to get penalized."
Munoz's Hot Streak
Munoz, a Torque GC member, ran off five consecutive birdies on his way to a 65, overcoming an early bogey at the par-4 No. 15.
"Even though I started with a bogey, with a three-putt, I didn’t let it bother me," Munoz said. "I just gave myself chances and made the first one on 17, and then just kind of went on a roll for a little bit there."
Defending Champion Struggles
Last year's champion, Abraham Ancer, had a difficult start to his title defense, posting a 1-over 71. He will need a strong second round to stay in contention.
With two rounds remaining, the competition is wide open, but Casey has positioned himself as the early favorite to claim his first title in Hong Kong.
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