Despite the fireworks in the buildup to the LIV Greenbriar, it turned out to be a day of patience as heavy rain meant a lengthy delay and players playing deep into the evening in order to get the first round completed.
After the stop, start nature of the first round at the end of the play it was the trio of Talor Gooch, Sebastian Munoz and Jason Kokrak who sat at the top of the leaderboard tied for the lead on -7.
A host of star names sit just behind and with the course set to have been softened up by all the recent rainfall, a thrilling final two rounds lie in store. Here are some of the storylines to keep an eye out for.
Gooch aims to win for the first time in 2024
Talor Gooch was one of the best players on the LIV Tour last season. A winner of three tournaments, Gooch powered his way to the top of the individual standings and so far through his LIV career the American has been able to take home over $46 million in prize money.
After his brilliance last season, 2024 has been frustrating. Unable to add to the three tournaments he won last season, Gooch has been able to post just two top five finishes and he currently sits eleventh in the individual standings.
Wanting to end his year strongly, Gooch played some of his best golf of the season to climb to the top of the leaderboard. Able to keep his scorecard clean, his round was ignited on the par four fifth, when he holed out for eagle from the fairway.
As one of LIV’s best players, the American will hope to use his winning experience to good use and maintain his lead heading into tomorrow’s final day.
A big weekend ahead for Sebastian Munoz and Jason Kokrak
Both Sebastian Munoz and Jason Kokrak are looking to land their first ever LIV titles and both need a good weekend if they are to propel themselves into LIV’s Lock Zone.
Reserved for the top 24 players in the individual standings, those in the top 24 are guaranteed of their positions on next year’s Tour. However, those ranked outside the top 24 could find themselves in danger.
Potentially needing to win a playoff to secure their place, those outside the top 24 are also in danger of being traded or released by their team. Currently Munoz sits at 25 in the standings and Kokrak in 33rd and both know that a victory this weekend will all but ensure their places in next year’s LIV field.
Kokrak’s was a name we had become accustomed to seeing on the PGA Tour, but since moving to LIV, the burly American has struggled for form. There have been glimpses, he finished fifth at LIV Vegas earlier in the season, but for most of 2024 he has had to settle for finishes well down the field.
Yesterday was by far his best showing of the season. A steady front nine saw him pick up three shots on the front nine but an even better back nine saw him post five birdies for the loss of just one shot.
So far through 2024 Kokrak hasn’t been able to keep consistent, with the conditions set to be generous he will hope to bring in all of the momentum he picked up on the back nine into today.
For Munoz, his play was steady throughout. Four birdies completed his front nine whilst another four arrived on the back. His round was marred by one dropped shot but on the whole the Colombian had one of the best rounds of the day and looks well placed to challenge into the weekend.
Big names prepare to charge
With scoring opportunities aplenty it isn’t a surprise that the leaderboard is packed with all of LIV’s biggest names.
Nestled a shot behind is Jon Rahm. Rahm has had a slow steady maiden year since joining LIV but his form and mood would have been boosted thanks to his win last time out in the LIV UK event.
His first win since joining the LIV ranks, Rahm currently lies second in the individual standings and will hope to end the season as LIV’s top dog.
Despite playing his best golf the season, Rahm arrived at the Greenbriar with questions to answer following his implosion on the back nine at the Olympics. Seemingly with the gold medal in his grasp, Rahm let the pressure and occasion get to him and he ended up missing out on the medals entirely.
Keen to show the world that the Olympics was just a blip, Rahm looks determined and could start as the one they need to beat this weekend.
Nestled alongside Rahm is Brooks Koepka. The five time major winner has been below his best this season and didn’t feature in any of the four majors this year.
A winner down in Singapore, Koepka’s success has been few and far between and he headed into this week flying under the radar. Determined to show he is one of the best of the best players operating within LIV, another title could be on the cards.
Tyrell Hatton lies in third place on the LIV individual ladder and after winning in Nashville he was a top five finisher in Spain and a narrow runner up in the UK.
Playing brilliantly consistent golf, he is another who is just a shot behind and although his name might not carry the same weight as either Rahm or Koepka, if you are looking to place a bet, he could offer the best value.
LIV Greenbriar betting rankings
With the Greenbriar leaderboard looking tightly packed, if you are looking to place a bet this weekend, there is plenty of great looking value to be found. Here is how the top ten in the betting currently looks.
Jon Rahm - 3/1
Talor Gooch - 7/1
Brooks Koepka - 7/1
Tyrell Hatton - 8/1
Sebastian Munoz - 10/1
Joaquin Niemann - 12/1
Richard Bland - 14/1
Cameron Smith - 14/1
Marc Leishman - 22/1
Bryson DeChambeau - 25/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
