Rahm and Meronk share lead after first round of LIV Golf Jeddah

GURUGRAM: Bryson DeChambeau will break new ground this week when he competes in the International Series India presented by DLF, marking the first time he has visited the country.

The long-awaited debut means huge crowds are expected and the reigning US Open champion is clearly ready for the occasion.

“First off I want to say thank you to all of India for welcoming me so warmly,” said the American.

“I think the first time I started talking about [going to India] was last year and what the possibilities are here in India with the kids. The ability for golf, as really a young sport but changing from an older sport into a young sport, is to showcase what [it] can mean for the future generations of India. That’s always inspired me. My mission in the game of golf is to inspire, entertain, and a subtle part of it is educate as well.”

The 31-year-old, who also won the US Open in 2020, is part of a star-studded field that includes Indian Anirban Lahiri and England’s Paul Casey, who are part of his Crushers GC team on the LIV Golf League.

“Educate, entertain, inspire are my main three principles of why I play the game of golf. I think this is an amazing opportunity for all of golf to come together and see what India can truly produce for the world. And it’s a growing economy, it’s a growing population that needs golf. There’s a lot more to come, so that’s why I’m here.”

Earlier in the week, DeChambeau took time out of his schedule to visit the Taj Mahal, which had a profound impact on him.

“I felt like there was a lot of love,” he said. “I feel like people just respected the place beyond belief. I was fortunate enough to go downstairs and actually see where they’re laid to rest. And it was pretty special. Being down there, it felt … it was serene and blissful. You look at the backdrop and the colors of the sky and the white marble and the intricacies of how the building was built. I can tell you it’s one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen in my entire life. So, it was amazing. It was a great experience.”

The Californian faces a different kind of architecture tomorrow when he tees off in the first round at DLF Golf and Country Club — one of India’s finest, yet longest and toughest, courses.

“It’s a diabolical course,” he joked. “There’s a lot going on and I think the person that’s going to do well this week has to see it for what it is, which is a strategic golf course. You have to plot your way around, be very methodical, and you can’t overpower it.

“You’ve got to be very technical here. So, 16 through 18 is a great stretch of golf. It is gettable if you hit the right shots into it. I feel pretty comfortable with it. I think I’ll give it a good go this week.”

DeChambeau has been paired with Chile’s Joaquin Niemann and John Catlin of the US for the first two days. Niemann won The International Series Rankings title last year, while Catlin secured the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The $2 million tournament is the opening event of the season on The International Series, and the second stop on the Asian Tour, which began at last week’s Smart Infinity Philippine Open.

RIYADH: Following three years of hosting events at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club near Jeddah, LIV Golf will make its debut this season at the Riyadh Golf Club from Feb. 6-8 in what will be its first-ever night event.

The event will feature a strong line-up of players including LIV Golf 2024 individual champion Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), LIV Golf Jeddah 2024 winner Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), as well as international golfing stars such as World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), five-time major winner Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), and many more.

Ross Hallett, LIV Golf executive vice president and head of events, shared his excitement, saying, “LIV Golf Riyadh is going to be a can’t-miss event featuring world-class competition and entertainment for fans of all ages. Hosting the tournament at night is another example of our commitment to innovation and presenting new ways to enjoy the sport at its highest level.

“We encourage all fans to arrive early to enjoy the fan village, food festival, fun fair and on-course treasure hunt amongst the many family activities happening around the golf course as we deliver an unforgettable experience at Riyadh Golf Club starting on the 6th of February,” he added.

The 2025 season opener will also mark the debut of Lee Cheih-po, winner of the LIV Golf Promotions 2024 event at Riyadh Golf Club. The Chinese-Taipei star secured the sole spot to join the league’s prestigious 54-player field after a thrilling final day at the Riyadh Golf Club in December.