New York – Talor Gooch birdied the penultimate hole on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational Boston over Joaquin Niemann.
Gooch, who finished in the top 10 in the first three events of the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, made six birdies and one bogey in his five-under par 65 at International Golf Club and led the 48-man field with a score of 12-under.
Niemann, one of six newcomers for this week’s competition — a group headlined by second-ranked British Open champion Cameron Smith — shot a 65 that put him at 11-under.
“It was an incredible round,” said Chile’s Niemann, who claimed he had “a blast” playing his first round in the series that promises “Golf, but louder” for a new generation of fans.
Talor Gooch did not slow down as the undisputed leader following the second round of #LIVGolf #LIVGolfBoston.
September 3, 2022 — LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv)
The upstart circuit has thrown the golf industry into chaos, with the established US PGA Tour and DP World Tour attempting to prevent their great players from defecting to a circuit that promises $25 million payouts for its 54-hole events as well as rumoured signing bonuses for superstars.
This week’s signing of Australian cricketer Smith was the biggest triumph for the series, which has been accused of “sportswashing” Saudi Arabia’s record on human rights.
Smith, who began Saturday’s round one stroke behind the leader, had a one-under par 69 that included a double bogey and two bogeys.
However, the 29-year-old Australian finished on a high note with an eagle on the 18th, which was set up by a second shot over a group of trees that was aimed directly at the flag.
As the final round began, he was tied for ninth place, five strokes behind the leader.
Gooch took a cautious approach to overcome an early bogey and take the lead.
Gooch stated, “Out here, it’s all about hitting the fairways.” “I know that my score will be better from the fairways. If that requires me to relax, then I will do so.”
Gooch will attempt to become the first American to win a LIV Golf tournament. Former world number one Dustin Johnson was also in position to win following a 63 that placed him in third place on 10-under par.