Harold Varner III and Paul Casey tied for the first-round lead in the LIV Golf Las Vegas tournament, marking an impressive turnaround for Varner. After finishing last in the previous week's season opener, Varner came back with a strong performance, shooting a 7-under 63 at the Las Vegas Country Club.
Despite the chilly temperatures, which barely reached 50 degrees when the round began, a reasonable turnout was seen at the tournament, coinciding with the Super Bowl. Varner got off to a great start, with two consecutive birdies, and finished strong with two more birdies in his last three holes.
One factor that contributed to Varner's success was his work with renowned swing coach Butch Harmon, who resides in Las Vegas. The coaching seemed to pay off as Varner managed to avoid penalty drops, despite hitting a few wayward tee shots.
Reflecting on his previous week's performance, Varner jokingly expressed his satisfaction with not finishing last again. He admitted feeling frustrated by his previous result, considering it embarrassing and not reflective of his abilities. Seeking redemption, Varner was determined to prove himself and was pleased with his current position.
Paul Casey, Varner's co-leader, began his round on the par-3 eighth hole, known as the 'party hole,' which featured lively music but a relatively small crowd at that early hour. Though Casey started with a bogey, he quickly found his rhythm, carding six birdies in an impressive eight-hole stretch.
The duo held a two-shot lead over contenders Bubba Watson and Matthew Wolff. Notably, only eight players finished the day over par on a course that has not hosted a professional event since the LPGA Takefugi Classic in 2006.
Joaquin Niemann, who had a remarkable opening round of 59 at the previous tournament in Mayakoba, could not replicate his success, settling for a 68 in Las Vegas.
The LIV Golf Las Vegas tournament promises an exciting battle between skilled golfers, and the first round showcased the talent and resilience of both Varner and Casey. With their impressive performances, the stage is set for an intense competition in the days to come.
For more information about the LIV Golf Las Vegas tournament, visit https://apnews.com/hub/golf.
