Thomas Detry shrugged off debut nerves to share the first-round lead at LIV Golf Riyadh, while South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen two shots behind.
Detry, the newest full-time member of 4Aces GC, signed for a bogey-free seven-under 65 to sit alongside RangeGoats GC veteran Peter Uihlein at the top of the leaderboard after the opening round at Riyadh Golf Club.
Australian newcomer Elvis Smylie, part of the all-Australian Ripper GC, carded a six-under 66 to sit solo third, continuing an impressive start to his LIV Golf career.
Oosthuizen is part of a group sharing fourth on five under after a composed, bogey-free 67 that included five birdies. His Southern Guards GC teammate Charl Schwartzel is a further three shots back after an opening 70.
The opening round featured 10 players making their LIV Golf debuts, including eight full-time members and two reserves. Byeong Hun An impressed with a five-under 67 to join Oosthuizen in the tie for fourth, while HyFlyers GC’s Michael La Sasso opened with a three-under 69 in his professional debut at just 21.
On the team leaderboard, Torque GC set the early pace at 15 under, with Southern Guards GC two shots behind. Defending Riyadh champions Legion XIII sit third at 11 under.
Detry said preparation under lights in Abu Dhabi helped him settle quickly.
“First day on the job, so there were a few nerves,” he said. “But I drove it really well, which made everything easier.”
Uihlein, making his 51st LIV Golf start, remains in search of a maiden league victory and believes the switch to a 72-hole format could suit his game.
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Photo: Mateo Villalba/LIV Golf
Article Link: Detry, Uihlein lead as Oosthuizen lurks in Riyadh