LIV Golf’s event at Doral has highlighted which of their 13 qualified players are in form coming into the first Major of the season. Though the result has thrown a few curve balls regarding what the pundits were expecting.
Not many would have predicted Dean Burmester to defeat Sergio Garcia in a play-off, let alone Matthew Wollf finish third.
The runner up finish might be what the 2017 Masters Champion needed to boost his confidence to add second green jacket to his wardrobe next week.
Defending Masters champion, Jon Rahm, tied for fourth place alongside his teammate Tyrrell Hatton with Bryson DeChambeau one shot further back in a tie for seventh. The trio are in good form going into next week, but others are looking rusty.
Masters Champions off the pace
- Patrick Reed doubled the last to fall back to tied ninth.
- Dustin Johnson failed to get a Sunday charge going and finished in tied 25th.
- Bubba Watson showed signs of brilliance with a stunning eagle on the back nine but gave three shots back during the closing holes.
- Phil Mickelson only managed one birdie during his final round to take 47th position.
Form Shock
The huge shock was Brooks Koepka, who started the week as one of the favourites, not just the event at Doral but also for the Masters Tournament. The 2023 PGA Champion was seven over for the week and tied with Lee Westwood in 45th place.
Another concern would be for Cameron Smith, who was forced to withdraw after the opening round, due to food poisoning. Not the preparation the 2022 Open Champion would have been hoping for but hopefully he’s fully charged for the week ahead as he’s had four top 10s in his last six appearances at Augusta National.
