Cameron Smith’s LIV Golf debut is off to a strong start with the Australian sitting just one stroke off the lead after one round in Boston.
The world No. 2, who joined the Saudi-backed circuit this week for about $140 million, fired a six-under 64, tied with fellow debutant Joaquin Niemann for third.
Americans Matthew Wolff, who birdied the first hole in one at LIV Golf, and Talor Gooch share the lead at one under.
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Smith was flying on the front nine, shooting three birdies and an eagle in his first eight holes to run to five under.
A birdie on his ninth hole halted his momentum, while he found himself in trouble on the 14th, where he made a double bogey after finding the trees off the tee.
But he bounced back impressively in the final four holes, which included a remarkable par-save with three holes to play.
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Smith’s ball lodged against a tree and next to a cart path. That’s when he cleverly used the rules to work in his favor.
Smith could only access the ball while playing a left-handed shot, but since that meant he was standing in a cart path, he was entitled to a free relief.
The Australian then took a free drop and played an impressive draw around the trees, which saw him smash his 52-degree wedge into the trunk.
However, the ball stayed on the rim and he was able to two-putt to salvage par, before draining a monstrous eagle putt at the last to end the day at six under.
Asked if the shot was worth breaking a club, he said: “I think so.
“It was basically the only option. These shots are tricky, you know you’re going to lose a club, but it’s worth a shot or two.
“It is what it is. We’re going to try to fix it and move on. I hope Titleist has seen it and can send me a new shaft for tomorrow.