Patrick Reed was at his striking best on the opening day of LIV Golf Miami. The discussion occurred at Trump National Doral on Thursday, March 12, 2025. Going out from the 10th hole, Reed made golf look easy with a five-under-par 67. This phenomenal round had him sitting atop the leaderboard after the opening round of LIV Golf’s inaugural U.S.-hosted tournament of the 2023 season.
Reed’s highlights were undeniable, including seven birdies. One of those was an eagle with a smooth tap-in on the par-5 eighth hole, moving him to 7 under. However, in spite of winning in pretty dominant fashion, he was dealt a cruel hand that would have added to his lead even more decidedly. Yet, he still held a two-shot lead over big names Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.
“Obviously it’s a really fine line to being that good or just a little bit off,” Johnson reflected on the competitive nature of the tournament. “Yeah, I’ve got a lot of confidence in my game right now.”
DeChambeau’s round included four birdies with just one bogey, leaving him in excellent shape as he pursued Reed. Johnson capped his round with a clutch three-birdie streak. He ended the day with a whimper, making a double bogey on his last hole.
I don’t know, you know, the first 17 were amazing,” Reed said with a smile, looking back on that round. His even par play for most of the course indicated all manner of confidence and skill. He still has to prove that he learned from the blunders that caused him to trip during the homestretch.
Phil Mickelson was in striking distance all day too, as the USGA examined the 51-year-old’s guile and gamesmanship. With a handful of players still within striking distance, the tension is palpable as they head into the next rounds.
With Reed’s mastery of the course already on display, he’ll be looking to claim a first win that would be just as memorable as his 2018 Masters triumph. LIV Golf Miami promises to be the most exciting event yet! Just like a baseball team, each player is hungry to make the most of their strengths, while addressing their weaknesses head on.
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