By Rahul Banerji
LIV Golf newbie Anirban Lahiri made a notable debut at his first LIV Golf Series even with a bogey-free four-under-par 66 at the Boston Invitational on Friday.
The 35-year-old finished his first day in the LIV Series three shots behind leaders Matthew Wolff and Talor Gooch of the US, tied for fifth along with four others.
Lahiri played steady golf on a course that demanded accuracy and control over distance, picking up four shots along the way despite a putter that did not really fire on the day.
It was a clean break for the Indian ace after seven years on the PGA Tour in more ways than one with a logo-free shirt and cap.
Two other new LIV Golf signings – Cameron Smith of Australia and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann – also made telling debuts at the Invitational outside Boston, sharing third place on five-under 65s.
Smith had his shares of tribulations on the day but two eagles – one on his closing hole — showed why he was such a desperately sought-after signing by the Saudi-backed breakaway series.
Up and down
The world no. 2 and winner of The Open in July, said later, “That round kind of had a bit of everything, very up-and-down. I was a bit disappointed with how I drove the ball, especially around here.
“I think I maybe got away with a few that I shouldn’t have. So something to work on tomorrow.”
World no. 19 Neimann who along with Smith were the two highest-ranked players in the field, added, ““It was so much fun.
“I was surprised how young the whole crowd was. Yeah, it was a lot of electric atmosphere.”
“I played pretty solid. Played quite a few holes before I started today, almost more than I usually do. So, I was very comfortable on the golf course,” Lahiri was quoted as saying on asiantour.com.
“I’ve been driving it decent, and hit my irons pretty good. My short game wasn’t that great, because I could have definitely made a couple more putts.
“That was disappointing because there was no wind today and these are probably the best conditions you’re going to get.
“There are three-four holes on this golf course which are dangerous, and if you can manage them, then you have an opportunity to really go deep if you’re playing well.
“I did manage those holes well, but missed several birdie chances from the 10-15 feet putt range.
“These greens are so good and true, you should be making at least 50 per cent of those putts, but I did not make many.”
Matching display
Lahiri’s 66 was matched by England’s Paul Casey that saw their team, Crushers GC, hold third place in the team event.
Their captain Bryson DeChambeau was inconsistent but with only two scores counting on the first two days, it did not hurt the Crushers unduly.
Livgolf.com adds: On his way to grabbing a share of the first-round lead, Wolff also made history, as he became the first to make a hole-in-one at a LIV Golf event.
Wolff’s ace at the 178-yard no. 2 was the highlight of his 7-under 63, which made him the co-leader with Gooch on an eventful day at The International’s Oaks Course.
“Being the first one to do anything is always special, but I know for a fact I’m not going to be the last,” said Wolff, who was runner-up at the previous LIV Golf event at Bedminster.
“There’s going to be people that have aces and stuff. The ace was great. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled … but I’d rather be holding that trophy at the end of the week.”
Stenson a late WD
Series winner on debut at Bedminster, Henrik Stenson was a late withdrawal on Friday, hit by a strained neck and vertigo.
His place in the field, and on the Majesticks GC lineup, was taken by reserve LIV golfer Shergo Al Kurdi, the English-born Jordanian who will celebrate his 19th birthday on Monday.
Kurdi comported himself well. After a rollercoaster opening nine – three birdies, two bogeys and a double – he settled down and finished with a 1-over 71 and a tie for 37th.
Shorts are kosher
Meanwhile, LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman announced after Friday’s first round that players can now wear shorts during all LIV Golf competition rounds, starting with Saturday’s second round at The International.
“The first league and tour to make it official,” Norman said in making the announcement.
Team leaderboard
| Teams | Counting ccores |
| 1. Hy Flyers GC, 11 under | Matthew Wolff 63 Bernd Wiesberger 66 |
| 2. 4 Aces GC, 10 under | Talor Gooch, 63 Dustin Johnson 67 |
| 3. Crushers GC, 8 under | Paul Casey 66 Anirban Lahiri 66 |
| T-4. Iron Heads GC, 7 under | Kevin Na 66 Sadom Kaewkanjana 67 |
| T-4. Stinger GC, 7 under | Louis Oosthuizen 66 Branden Grace 67 |
| T-4. Punch GC, 7 under | Cameron Smith 64 Matt Jones 69 |
| 7. Torque GC, 6 under | Joaquin Niemann 64 Scott Vincent 70 |
| T-8. Cleeks GC, 4 under | Martin Kaymer 68 Graeme McDowell 68 |
| T-8. Niblicks GC, 4 under | Harold Varner 67 Hudson Swafford 69 |
| T-8. Majesticks GC, 4 under | Lee Westwood 67 Ian Poulter 69 |
| T-11. Smash GC, 3 under | Jason Kokrak 67 Brooks Koepka 70 |
| T-11. Fireballs GC, 3 under | Eugenio Chacarra 68 Abraham Ancer 69 |
Also read: Lahiri joins DeChambeau-led Crushers GC for LIV Golf Boston
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