Reed Sets the Pace in LIV Miami as Masters Champions Winners Crowd the Leaderboard

Reed Leads LIV Miami After Flawless Start in Windy Conditions

As the golf world starts to shift its attention to Augusta National and the first major of the year, a familiar group of green-jacketed veterans is warming up nicely—this time at Trump National Doral for the LIV Golf Miami event. At the top of the leaderboard after the opening round: Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, who carded a five-under-par 67 to grab a two-shot lead.

Reed was nearly flawless all day in tough, windy conditions that left many in the field scrambling. He made just one real mistake—dropping two shots on his final hole—but even that wasn’t enough to undo what had been a composed, clinical round of golf.

Behind him, the names chasing are equally familiar to fans of Augusta. Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson and 2020 winner Dustin Johnson sit at three-under after matching 69s. Also in the mix are Charl Schwartzel (2011) and Sergio Garcia (2017), both at two under, proving that experience at the Masters might be paying dividends a week early.

A Green Jacket Reunion at the Top of the LIV Miami Leaderboard

Patrick Reed edges closer to first Open start since 2023

It felt almost like a Masters warm-up disguised as a LIV event. Five of the top seven players on the Miami leaderboard after Day One have tasted victory at Augusta. Whether that’s coincidence or a sign that these veterans are rounding into form right on cue, it makes for a compelling storyline as the golf calendar gears up for major season.

Reed, never shy about the confidence he carries, admitted that Doral’s conditions demanded full focus: “I know how hard this place can get,” the 34-year-old said after his round. “When the wind picks up here, it’s nerve-wracking. There’s a reason it’s called the Blue Monster.”

That monster bit back at plenty of players, but not Reed—at least not until the final hole. Still, he walked off solo leader at a LIV event for the first time in 37 starts, something even he found surprising given the field and the layout. “You just can’t let up here,” he added.

Mickelson, who last won the Masters in 2010 and is never far from the conversation when Augusta rolls around, was quick to praise Reed’s effort: “Exceptional round given the wind,” he said, acknowledging how few players managed to get into red figures.

Tough Day at Doral: High Winds and High Scores

It was a grind out there. The average score across the field was nearly two and a half shots over par, and 19 players posted rounds of 76 or worse. The wind was swirling, greens were slick, and even the best had to battle just to hold position.

Among those who struggled was Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who’s been on a tear this season with two wins in the first four LIV events. But on Thursday, nothing clicked. Niemann ballooned to a six-over-par 78, leaving him with work to do over the final two rounds if he wants to stay sharp heading into Augusta.

England’s Tyrrell Hatton—another player many are watching closely ahead of the Masters—matched Niemann’s 78. Hatton, part of the new Legion XIII team led by 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm, couldn’t find his rhythm. Rahm himself posted a one-over 73, a solid effort in the conditions but far from contention at this early stage.

DeChambeau in the Mix, Still Chasing Augusta Glory

Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion still looking for his breakthrough at Augusta, was one of the few big names to put together a clean round. His three-under 69 puts him in the logjam with Mickelson and Johnson, and while his power game always gets attention, it was his patience that stood out.

DeChambeau’s best Masters finish came just last year, when he tied for sixth. He’s made no secret of his desire to win there, and a strong showing this week might just give him the confidence and rhythm to make a serious run next week.

“I was just trying to stay disciplined,” DeChambeau said after his round. “You can’t overpower this place. It’s more about strategy. Same thing I’m going to need to take to Augusta.”

Augusta in Mind: Masters Week Looms Large

Everything at Doral this week seems to come with a shadow cast from Georgia. Players know this isn’t just another LIV event—it’s their final live-fire prep before the spotlight swings fully to the Masters. And for many of the past champions in the field, it’s a chance to fine-tune their games, shake off any rust, and show the world they’re still capable of magic on golf’s biggest stage.

Garcia and Schwartzel both looked sharp, carding two-under rounds that flew somewhat under the radar amid Reed’s charge. But both have the type of games—when locked in—that can still produce fireworks. Garcia, in particular, seemed to be swinging freely, perhaps feeding off the comfort of returning to form just in time for his favorite time of the season.

What’s at Stake Heading Into the Weekend

Patrick Reed makes outrageous claim ahead of LIV Golf Greenbrier

With two rounds left to play, LIV Miami is still wide open—but if Thursday was any indication, it’s the seasoned major winners who are setting the tone. Whether it’s Reed, Johnson, Mickelson, or another former Masters champ, the tournament feels like it’s doubling as a very competitive tune-up for next week’s showdown at Augusta.

And for players like Niemann, Hatton, and Rahm, there’s still time to sharpen the edges and make a statement. After all, it’s not just about finishing well here—it’s about feeling ready when you pull into Magnolia Lane.

One thing’s for sure: with a leaderboard full of green jackets, LIV Miami is delivering more than just points and prize money—it’s serving as a clear reminder that when Masters season approaches, the veterans still have plenty to say.