“Golf, But Louder” is the catchphrase. And fans at LIV Golf Adelaide pumped up the volume as American Talor Gooch turned on the afterburners with another scintillating round of 62 to establish a commanding 10-stroke lead at The Grange Golf Club.
The energy has been electric over the first two days as fans welcomed 11 Major winners to the South Australian capital. In incredible scenes, spectators relished the party atmosphere on the par-3 12th, tossing empty beer cans into the air – and onto the tee – as each group departed.
“This is what we live for. This is what gets you up in the morning,” said tournament leader Gooch of his reception on the 12th tee. “To play in front of crowds like this – with energy like this – it’s awesome.”
Reigning Open champion Cameron Smith said: “That was probably louder again today, which is unreal. I thought yesterday was probably the loudest I’d hit a shot in front of. And today it was turned up another notch again.”
The first two days have exceeded Smith’s expectations of LIV Golf Adelaide: “I thought it was going to be really good, the ticket sales, FISHER coming, all that stuff. And it was lining up to be a really good week. I didn’t think it was going to be quite like this.
“I would go as far as to say this is [the] best event I’ve ever played. I’m probably biased a little bit being from Australia, but this is what LIV Golf is about. And this is what we need every week.”
World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Phil Mickelson described the party-hole 12th as a really cool feature. He had no problem with the alcohol-infused fun, nor the louder environment.
It’s the little things he’s enjoyed most about being back in Australia, such as signing autographs. “I signed yesterday, there wasn’t any pushing, there wasn’t any shoving. People were patient. They waited. They were appreciative. I appreciate how kind everybody has been.”
Meanwhile, it was Gooch’s sublime play that has astounded competitors and fans alike. He sits at 20-under-par 144 after back-to-back rounds of 10-under 62. Gooch obliterated the largest 36-hole lead in LIV Golf’s short history (five strokes).
Chasing Gooch in a six-way tie for second are Charl Schwartzel, Pat Perez, Abraham Ancer, Brooks Koepka, Louis Oosthuizen and Cameron Tringale. Local hero Smith carded a 6-under 66 on a day of low scores to be tied for eighth and 11 strokes behind.
The highlight for Gooch came on the par-5 10th when he smoked a 3-metal to a metre for an eagle 3. The 31-year-old from Oklahoma admits the tournament is his to lose.
“I know I don’t have to have my best stuff to win. Fortunately these first couple days I think I’ve had some of my best stuff,” he said.
Gooch’s superb play catapulted RangeGoats GC to 36-under par and a three-stroke advantage over Stinger GC in the teams competition. Counting the best three of four team members, the all-Australian Ripper GC sits last of 12 teams, perhaps burdened by high expectations.
Gooch says the team element will ensure he doesn’t coast to individual victory, aiming to become the first LIV golfer to win titles with two different teams.
