LIV Golf Mexico City: Victor Perez Shoots 9-Under 62, Takes Lead In Round 1

Victor Perez expected an adjustment period to start his first season on LIV Golf. New courses to learn. Music during rounds. Increased energy and enthusiasm from a younger gallery. Night golf in Riyadh. Record crowds in Adelaide and South Africa.

In Thursday’s opening round at LIV Golf Mexico City, the 33-year-old Frenchman showed he’s getting comfortable with his new environment.

Perez, a member of Cleeks Golf Club, carded 11 birdies at Club de Golf Chapultepec, shooting a 9-under 62 to take a three-shot lead over Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm. Six players are tied for third, including 4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson and Majesticks GC Co-Captain Ian Poulter.

On the team leaderboard, Rahm’s Legion XIII shot a cumulative 9 under for a three-stroke lead over the 4Aces, with the Majesticks and Smash GC another stroke back. 

Perez entered Mexico City fresh off his best result in his first five LIV Golf starts, a tie for 12th at South Africa. He acknowledged there was a learning curve in adjusting to life in the league. 

"Definitely a different atmosphere, different vibe," said Perez, who had never been inside the top 10 after any of his previous 20 LIV Golf rounds. "It’s about getting more comfortable, and I think the first event, I was really struggling with the energy of the place and the music. I was almost too amped up on the first day and really struggled and it almost got worse through the week. So, it wasn’t good. 

"The second event in Adelaide was another 360 from the night golf. I thought I found my feet a little bit in Hong Kong, which was decent. Singapore was a little bit more difficult. Then had a decent week in South Africa. So, it’s going in the right direction, which is nice."

He had seven birdies in his first