Paul Casey Charges Ahead at LIV Golf Hong Kong: Flawless 63 Puts Him in Pole Position

HONG KONG — Paul Casey’s globetrotting career boasts 21 victories across 13 countries, but the Englishman’s quest to conquer Hong Kong Golf Club continues. After a blistering bogey-free 7-under 63, Casey seized the first-round lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong, positioning himself to finally add the city to his win list.

The 47-year-old, leading Crushers GC to a share of the team lead with Torque GC, thrives on conquering iconic courses. “Winning in new countries excites me—it’s a challenge I relish,” Casey said. Last year’s playoff heartbreak, where a bogey on the 18th hole cost him victory, fueled his determination. On Friday, he faced deja vu after a water-bound approach on the same hole but salvaged par with a clutch chip-in, sparking a late birdie surge.

Casey’s 63 gives him a two-stroke cushion over six challengers, including Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia, Cleeks GC’s Martin Kaymer, and rising star Sebastián Muñoz (Torque GC). Muñoz, who tied for second in Riyadh, rebounded from an opening bogey with five straight birdies. “I stayed patient and let the putts roll,” said Muñoz, eager to secure his first LIV individual title.

Wild Card sensation Chieh-Po Lee, a Chinese Taipei native, dazzled with a 65—the best-ever round by a Wild Card in LIV history. Familiarity with the course, coupled with a mindset shift, propelled him into contention. “I felt at home today,” said Lee, who struggled in his first two LIV starts.

Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau, tied eighth at 4 under, praised Casey’s iron play but vowed to hunt him down. “Paul’s a phenomenal striker, but I’m coming for him,” DeChambeau grinned, acknowledging the short-course challenge.

Team standings saw Crushers GC and Torque GC tied atop at -12, leveraging LIV’s new format counting all four scores. Fireballs GC (-11) lurked close, while veterans like Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC) relied on revamped putting strategies to stay in the mix.

Casey, soaking in Hong Kong’s vibrant energy, called the city “a place I’d visit in a heartbeat.” Yet his focus remains laser-sharp: “I’m here to win.” With two rounds left, the stage is set for a showdown blending experience, youth, and high stakes. As shadows lengthen over the Hong Kong Golf Club, Casey’s global legacy hangs in the balance.

Rd. 1 Stats :

• Best Wild Card : Chieh-Po Lee (65)

• Longest Drive : David Puig (357.2 yds)

• Bogey-Free Rounds : Casey, Kaymer, Danny Lee, Henrik Stenson, Thomas Pieters, Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Tringale.