Jang Yubin Debuts in LIV Golf

Tied for 40th with 1-under on the first day in Riyadh
Meronk leads, McKibbin impresses in a tie for 3rd
Jang Yubin's team Iron Head GC ranks 10th

Jang Yu-bin made his LIV Golf debut in Saudi Arabia.

Jang Yu-bin made his debut at the LIV Golf opening event in Riyadh. Photo by Coupang Play

On the 6th (local time), at the Riyadh Golf Club (par 72) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the first round of the LIV Golf season opener Riyadh tournament, he recorded one birdie without any bogeys. Among 54 participants, he is tied for 40th place (1-under 71 strokes). Jang Yu-bin, who swept major individual titles last year including the Korean Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour Player of the Year, money list leader, and lowest scoring average, accepted LIV Golf's offer and moved to a new stage. He is the first Korean player to join LIV Golf.

The atmosphere was somewhat chaotic. The competition took place in a desert climate and under lights at night. Music played throughout, and the shotgun start format was used. It seemed difficult to maintain focus on the LIV Golf competition format.

Kevin Na (USA), captain of the Iron Head GC team to which Jang Yu-bin belongs, stood tied for 32nd place (2-under 70 strokes). Danny Lee (New Zealand) and Wade Ormsby (Australia), who each shot 4-under, helped Iron Head GC remain in 10th place (11-under) in the team competition.

Adrian Meronk (Poland) surged to the lead with a 10-under 62. Northern Ireland's rising star Tom McKibbin tied for 3rd place (7-under 65). Tyrrell Hatton (England) was tied for 5th (6-under 66), while Dustin Johnson (USA), Jon Rahm (Spain), and Joaqu?n Niemann (Chile) were tied for 9th (5-under 67). Anthony Kim (USA) is tied for 40th place along with Jang Yu-bin. The tournament determines the winner through 3 rounds of 54-hole stroke play without a cut-off.