DeChambeau, Howell III, Vincent Lead LIV Golf Korea

Bryson DeChambeau, Charles Howell III, and Scott Vincent share the first-round lead at LIV Golf Korea after each shot a 5-under-par 65 on Thursday at Asiad Country Club in Busan, South Korea. The trio holds a one-stroke advantage over a group of three players tied for fourth.

DeChambeau, the defending champion, surged early with six birdies in his first ten holes but cooled off with bogeys on the 13th and 15th holes. He expressed satisfaction with his start on a course he described as a demanding test of ball-striking. His teammate, Howell, also finished strong with birdies on his final two holes, including an eagle on the par-4 second hole earlier in his round. Vincent posted the day’s only bogey-free round.

The team competition saw DeChambeau’s Crushers GC take an early lead at 10-under, three shots ahead of OKGC. The Crushers are playing without regular member Paul Casey, who withdrew due to a wrist injury and was replaced by reserve player Travis Smyth.

Other notable performances included a 4-under 66 from Ian Poulter, who is competing with a torn meniscus in his left knee. The home team, Korean GC, enjoyed a strong start, with newcomers Doyeob Mun and Younghan Song each...