SA’s Grace chases Gooch at LIV Golf Andalucía

Stimpmeter · July 12, 2025, 8:00pm

Two years after claiming his last LIV Golf win at Andalucía, Talor Gooch is rediscovering the form that earned him the league’s individual championship in 2023.

The Smash GC star fired a second-round five-under 66 on Saturday to seize a four-stroke lead after 36 holes at the historic Real Club Valderrama. It marks the first time he has led after two rounds since his breakout season, when he recorded three victories.

Dustin Johnson, captain of the 4Aces and Gooch’s former teammate from the inaugural 2022 season, sits four shots back at three under. Stinger GC’s Branden Grace is solo third on two under par, with Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm, 4Aces’ Patrick Reed – winner in Dallas two weeks ago – and Iron Heads GC’s Jinichiro Kozuma tied fourth on one under.

The 4Aces, also seeking their first team title since 2023, top the team leaderboard at two over, one stroke ahead of Smash GC and five clear of Legion XIII. Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC, bidding for a fourth straight win, are sixth, nine shots behind.

Saturday’s play included the completion of the suspended opening round, delayed on Friday due to high winds and dangerous conditions. Gooch closed out his final five holes to share the 18-hole lead on two under with Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith and Torque GC’s Joaquin Niemann, then emerged alone atop the standings on a calmer afternoon.

Gooch is well aware of the perils of protecting a lead at Valderrama. Last year, Anirban Lahiri held a four-shot advantage going into the final round but lost in a playoff to Fireballs GC captain and local favourite Sergio Garcia, who had started the day seven shots behind.

Remarkably, Garcia is in the same position again this year – even par through 36 holes and seven back.

“In general on LIV, there’s really no lead that’s safe, especially at a golf course like this,” said Gooch. “Things can happen quickly. You’re one shot away from a big number. There’s no sense of calm.

“I know DJ is right behind me … There are just too many good players out here to feel comfortable showing up and winning. I’ve got to play a really good round to get this thing done.”

Johnson, the 2022 individual champion, carded a bogey-free seven-under 64 – the lowest round of the tournament so far and his second-lowest of the season relative to par.

“My game’s been really good the last month and a half,” said Johnson, chasing a LIV win for the fourth consecutive year. “I just haven’t seen the results I think I should be getting. Today, it was nice to put together a really solid round.”

After a tough start to 2025, Gooch has been building momentum with four straight top-15 finishes and says an intense practice regimen is paying off.

“I’ve found a lot of dirt on the range,” he said. “Just worked my tail off. It’s good to see all those hours pay off.”

But the job isn’t done yet. When Gooch won at Valderrama in 2023, he came from behind to beat DeChambeau. Last year’s result is a reminder that a seven-shot rally is possible on this demanding course.

“I’ve got a chance,” said Johnson.

“It’s doable,” added Rahm.

“Everything has to go my way tomorrow,” noted Garcia. “I have to play really well, and the leaders have to stumble. It’s a big combination.”

Gooch is embracing the challenge – and the opportunity to return to the top of the podium.

“Nothing is given tomorrow,” he said. “Just because I played well today doesn’t mean anything. Tomorrow is a new day – and we’ve got to go have a great one.”

Stinger GC endured a tough second round at Valderrama, finishing the day at 15 over par.

Louis Oosthuizen led the team with a two-under 69, while Charl Schwartzel carded a one-over 72, and Dean Burmester struggled to a two-over 73.

Photo: LIV Golf

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