Bryson, Gooch and a Korean Kickstart: Crushers Chased, but Not Crushed
DeChambeau and Gooch share the lead, Smash GC edge ahead in Incheon as LIV Golf Korea tees off with drama and déjà vu
Seoul, Korea - Bryson DeChambeau and Talor Gooch are locked atop the leaderboard at 7-under-par after a bogey-free start to LIV Golf Korea, the fifth event of the season held at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon.
DeChambeau, the Crushers GC captain, once again showcased his consistency with a tidy 65—his second consecutive opening round inside the top five. He drained a 10-footer on his final hole to cap a round he described as “tough” and “grueling”, though one that left him “proud” of his resilience.
Gooch, seeking a spark after a slow start to the 2025 campaign, found his groove with a blitz of six birdies in eight holes, evoking memories of his 2023 title-winning form. “The game was pretty rusty,” he admitted. “But the past couple events have shown some life. Hopefully this kick-starts something.”
With their captains leading the charge, Smash GC holds a slim one-shot team lead over Crushers GC at 10-under. RangeGoats GC, buoyed by home hope Minkyu Kim, sits solo third at 8-under.
Stinger GC captain Louis Oosthuizen, back on the scene of his 2015 Presidents Cup heroics, also made a nostalgic return. His six-under effort tied him for third with Richard Bland of Cleeks GC, offering a reminder of the South African’s pedigree on Korean soil—even without injured partner Branden Grace.
Both DeChambeau and Gooch are aiming to turn promising starts into something memorable this weekend—one to build on, the other to relive. “It’s going to be a fun battle,” DeChambeau promised.