Carlos Ortiz fired a 10-under-par 60 to take a two-shot lead after the opening round of LIV Golf Hong Kong at Hong Kong Golf Club. The round marks the third 60 in LIV Golf history and positions Torque GC atop the team standings. Dean Burmester sits second at eight under par.
Carlos Ortiz's approach shot from 167 yards on the 18th hole at HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong nearly holed out, setting up a tap-in birdie for a course-record 10-under 60 on Thursday. This performance gives him a two-shot advantage over Dean Burmester, who carded a 62, matching his score from the previous season at the same venue.
Ortiz, playing for Torque GC, described the round as exceptional, noting, “I think I hit it very close, like four or five times I just tapped it in. That doesn't happen much, so it's awesome when you don't even have to get the putter out. Very pleased.” His back nine was particularly strong, featuring three birdies, a chip-in at the 11th, and an eagle on the par-5 13th after reaching five feet with his second shot. This is Ortiz's lowest professional tournament round and his first time leading after an opening round in LIV Golf.
Burmester, of Southern Guards GC, called his effort “pretty flawless” despite a club selection error on the ninth. He added, “I'm very proud of the way I kind of just hung together and kept pushing in birdies.” Sergio Garcia of Fireballs GC shot a 63, extending his bogey-free streak at the course to 63 holes, while tying for third with Talor Gooch of Smash GC, Scott Vincent, and Younghan Song, all at seven under.
Soft conditions from recent rain contributed to low scores, with 28 players at 67 or better. Burmester anticipated tougher play ahead, saying, “Saturday and Sunday, the wind is going to come up, so I think that'll toughen the course up.” Torque GC leads the team competition at 21 under, ahead of Smash GC at 19 under.
In a notable incident, Sebastian Munoz of Torque GC called a penalty on himself after air-mailing a one-inch putt, demonstrating strong sportsmanship during the round.
