Challenging conditions test LIV golfers at Valderrama

By Samuel Blatchford

SOTOGRANDE, Spain – LIV golfers face heavy winds and dry greens on a tough first round on Friday at Valderrama.

Dean Burmester, of Stingers GC, shot a 5-under 66 for a one-shot advantage while leading Stinger GC to the top of the team leaderboard.

Burmester was a bit confused on how well he played Friday.

“I don’t know how I shot 5 under, to be honest with you,” he said.

Valderrama tested LIV golfers in one of the hardest courses so far on tour. Only 7 of the 54 players were under par.

Sergio Garcia was one of those seven players under par, shooting a 2-under 69 to share fourth place with Crushers GC’s Anirban Lahiri. Fireballs teammate Eugenio Chacarra of Spain was one stroke better, shooting a 68 as his game continues to trend up after a tie for third at last week’s International Series Morocco. 

“My goal for today was to play smart golf,” Chacarra said. “I know my game is there.” 

Dean Burmester, of Stinger GC, leads after Friday, shooting 5-under.

Danny Lee, of Ironheads GC, whose team have been toward the bottom of LIV’s team standings throughout the season, is in second place shooting 4-under.

Eugenio Chacara is in thrid place shooting 3-under par.