Talor Gooch of the United States speaks at a press conference after the second round of LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club in the southeastern city of Busan, Friday, in this photo provided by LIV Golf. Yonhap
American Talor Gooch soared to the 36-hole lead at LIV Golf Korea on Friday with his countryman and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau lurking.
Gooch poured in eight birdies against just one bogey for a second-round score of 63 at the par-70, 7,024-yard Asiad Country Club in the southeastern city of Busan. At eight-under through two rounds, Gooch, a four-time LIV Golf winner, is chasing his first victory since July 2025 and US$4 million in prize money.
Gooch, who began his round on the eighth hole in the shotgun format, had five birdies over his final seven holes.
"I hit a lot of shots close and made a bunch of putts. It was one of those days where everything was clicking," Gooch said. "I played well yesterday. I just didn't get the putter going, so it was good to get the putter going. It's a fun course and it's just another example that the course doesn't have to be 8,000 yards to be a good test."
DeChambeau followed his 65 with 68 to reach seven-under for the tournament, after making three birdies and one bogey. He made eight straight pars at one point.
LIV Golf rookie Mun Do-yeob is the top Korean player at the halfway point at four-under overall, after shooting his second straight round of 68. He is tied for eighth place with Sergio Garcia of Spain.
The crowded leaderboard has five players tied for third at five-under, a group that includes the 2022 Open Championship winner Cameron Smith.
Mun joined Korean Golf Club earlier this week to replace Danny Lee. He was working on a bogey-free round through 14 holes but then made two bogeys down the stretch.
LIV Golf also tracks team performances, with the aggregate scores by all four players on each team determining the positions.
Source: Korea Times News
