Marc Leishman has fond memories of Ripper GC winning on home soil two years ago at LIV Golf Adelaide. He’d love to see what it feels like to loft the individual trophy this week at The Grange.
Related: Elvis Smylie lands double joy for Ripper GC in Riyadh
Leishman, the elder statesman of the all-Australian Rippers, produced the opening round’s only bogey-free score, a 6-under 66 that left him sharing the lead with Bryson DeChambeau.
The Crushers GC captain created his own memorable moment Thursday by making birdie despite topping his tee shot on the par-5 10th.
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The 4Aces GC celebrated its signing of Anthony Kim by taking a two-shot lead in the team competition, with Kim and captain Dustin Johnson each carding 5-under 67s that has them sharing third place individually.
While the Rippers enjoyed the team win in 2024 in LIV Golf’s first-ever team playoff, none of the Australians have claimed the individual title in front of the record-setting crowds that show up each year. Leishman is hoping to build on the momentum from last week’s season opener in Riyadh when Elvis Smylie won in his league debut while leading Ripper to the team victory.
“I was part of the team win in 2024, and that felt like winning a major for me,” the 42-year-old Leishman said. “It was pretty awesome to have so many people that were equally as happy to celebrate with. I think an Australian winning here would be massive.”
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Leishman took advantage of the par 5s on the back half of his round, making birdies at holes 7, 9 and 10 while also holing some key par putts to keep his card clean despite the windy conditions.
“I made the putts that kept momentum going, which I think is important when it’s windy like today,” he said. “You’ve got a gettable golf course, but it can also jump up and grab you.”
Wind wasn’t the reason why DeChambeau topped his tee shot at the 529-yard 10th. His line drive hit the ground immediately off the tee, then bounced off the cart path but still traveled 245 yards.
Despite a scuff mark on his ball, he hit a perfect 3-wood 288 yards to the green, then two-putted from 30 feet for birdie.
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“Last time I did that was the 2021 Players Championship off the 4th tee box and it cost me The Players,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve done it before. But that shot was more of a thin shot. [Thursday] I just hit too far down on the ball. I actually struck it nicely. It was a perfect strike right into the tee box. It was awesome. Got to make sure I don’t hit it with too negative an attack angle next time.”
Before the round, the 4Aces announced that Kim was joining their lineup, filling the vacancy left by Patrick Reed’s departure before the season. Kim has been an independent Wild Card player since returning to professional golf after a 12-year absence to join LIV Golf. Thursday was the first time he wore 4Aces apparel.
“Still getting used to it,” he said.
After closing with five birdies in his last eight holes, Kim certainly made a terrific first impression with his new team. He led the field in Greens in Regulation and Strokes Gained Approach on Thursday.
“I think he looks good in an Aces uniform,” said Johnson, whose own round included two eagles. “Obviously he plays good in it too.”
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The 4Aces lead by two strokes over Torque GC, RangeGoats GC and the Rippers, who finished ninth a year ago in their title defense. Leishman said the team learned a tough lesson on how to navigate all the hometown commitments before the tournament starts.
“I think we’ve done a really good job this week, sort of managing commitments and keeping everything really efficient, keeping practice efficient, feeling well-prepared and rested,” Leishman said. “Hopefully that will help me at the end of the week.”
