Cameron Smith claimed a one-shot victory at The Open last summer, a few weeks before moving from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf; Smith will be looking to defend the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool from July 20-23, with The 151st Open live on Sky Sports
Last Updated: 07/07/23 11:26pm
Open champion Cameron Smith is one up after the opening round at LIV London
Open champion Cameron Smith picked up seven birdies in his last 10 holes to post an eight-under 63 and take a one-shot lead after day one at LIV London.
Marc Leishman sits second after an opening 64 as he also made hay in the closing holes at Centurion Golf Club, birdieing five of the last six holes – despite starting his round on the 12th in the shotgun. start format.
Smith and Leishman played for the Ripper, leading the team in scoring after one day.
Thomas Pieters is tied for third after an opening 66, while Talor Gooch – who leads the LIV Golf points list – is among a group of players who shot 67.
PGA champion Brooks Koepka started and ended his round with a bogey as he posted a 72, leaving him in a tie for 33rd.
Koepka this week criticized his Smash partner Matthew Wolff, accusing him of skipping rounds and wasting his talent. Wolff had just two birdies in his round of 73 and tied for 38th in the 48-man field.
London is where the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league started last year, only in 2022 the tournament will be played a week before the US Open.
For Smith, this will be the last tournament he will play before defending his title at The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool from July 20 – live on Sky Sports.
The 151st Open takes place from July 20-23, with exclusive coverage throughout the tournament week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the opening round begins on Thursday July 20 from 6:30 am on Sky Sports Golf.
