Patrick Reed Leads LIV Golf Miami After Strong Opening Round

Patrick Reed, competing for 4Aces GC and a former Masters champion, showcased an impressive performance at LIV Miami, finishing the day at five under par and holding a two-stroke lead over his competitors. Reed had an almost perfect round, recording seven birdies, one double bogey, and ten pars until a hiccup on his last hole.

Challenging Conditions for Top Players

With windy weather marking the start of LIV Golf’s fourth consecutive event at the Blue Monster course in Trump Doral, many of the circuit’s leading players faced challenges. Torque GC captain, Joaquin Niemann, who was leading the individual standings with 84.66 points and two tournament victories, had a rough day, finishing six over par and tied for 43rd place.

Mixed Results from Other Contenders

John Rahm, who is ranked second with 66.70 points, improved on Niemann’s performance but didn’t quite meet his usual standards, finishing one over par and tied for 16th. Last year’s Miami champion, Dean Burmester from Stinger GC, faced difficulties as well; after clinching the title at 11 under in 2024, he ended the day at even par, tied for 10th.

Reed Stands Out Despite Previous Struggles

Unlike his counterparts, Reed, currently tied for 29th in the individual rankings, dominated the day. He had finished tied for 30th at last year’s Miami tournament but started this season with an impressive performance.

Focused Performance and Final Hole Trouble

“It was just steady golf. I was driving it well, felt like I had pretty good control of my irons, and really at the end of the day, the putter was working,” Reed explained. His day started strong with a birdie, maintaining momentum through the front nine and continuing to perform well. However, he encountered trouble on the final hole, leading to a double bogey, which was the only blemish on his otherwise solid performance.

Reflecting on Today’s Play and Future Challenges

Although Reed has had a lackluster season by his standards, with only one top-20 finish so far, he is eager to secure his first LIV tournament victory. Even with his successful start, Reed is aware of the course’s challenges. “When the wind blows here, it’s nerve-racking,” he commented, highlighting the need to stay committed to quality golf shots.

Team Standings and Upcoming Competitions

Reed’s teammates, including captain Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson, all finished tied for second at three under par. The Crushers were the only team to finish under par for the day at two under, placing them in the lead. The 4Aces followed in second place, and Fireballs GC rounded out the top three position with five over par. The second day of LIV Golf Miami will begin at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday at the Trump Doral course, available for streaming on the FOX Sports app and broadcast on FS1.