LIV Golf Adelaide: Marc Leishman, Bryson DeChambeau Share Lead After Round 1

Marc Leishman has fond memories of Ripper GC winning on home soil two years ago at LIV Golf Adelaide. He’d love to see what it feels like to loft the individual trophy this week at The Grange.

Leishman, the elder statesman of the all-Australian Rippers, produced the opening round’s only bogey-free score, a 6-under 66 that left him sharing the lead with Bryson DeChambeau. The Crushers GC captain created his own memorable moment Thursday by making birdie despite topping his tee shot on the par-5 10th. 

The 4Aces GC celebrated its signing of Anthony Kim by taking a two-shot lead in the team competition, with Kim and captain Dustin Johnson each carding 5-under 67s that has them sharing third place individually. 

While the Rippers enjoyed the team win in 2024 in LIV Golf’s first-ever team playoff, none of the Australians have claimed the individual title in front of the record-setting crowds that show up each year. Leishman is hoping to build on the momentum from last week’s season opener in Riyadh when Elvis Smylie won in his league debut while leading Ripper to the team victory. 

"I was part of the team win in 2024, and that felt like winning a major for me," the 42-year-old Leishman said. "It was pretty awesome to have so many people that were equally as happy to celebrate with. I think an Australian winning here would be massive."

Leishman took advantage of the par 5s on the back half of his round, making birdies at holes 7, 9 and 10 while also holing some key par putts to keep his card clean despite the windy conditions. 

"I made the putts that kept momentum going, which I think is important when it’s windy like today," he said. "You’ve got a gettable golf course, but it can also jump up and grab you." 

Wind wasn’t the