Cameron Smith claimed a one-shot win at The Open last summer, a few weeks before switching from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf; Smith will look to defend the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool from July 20-23, with The 151st Open live on Sky Sports
Friday 7 July 2023 23:26, UK
Open champion Cameron Smith picked up seven birdies in his last 10 holes to post an eight-under 63 and earn a one-shot lead after day one of LIV London.
Marc Leishman sits in second after an opening 64 as he also made hay on the closing holes at Centurion Golf Club, birdieing five of the last six holes - albeit his round started at the 12th in the shotgun start format.
Smith and Leishman play for Ripper, which led the team scoring after one day.
Thomas Pieters is in third after an opening 66, while Talor Gooch - who leads the LIV Golf points list - is in a grouping of players who shot 67.
PGA champion Brooks Koepka started and finished his round with a bogey as he posted a 72, leaving him in a tie for 33rd.
Koepka this week criticised his Smash team-mate Matthew Wolff, accusing him of quitting on rounds and wasting his talent. Wolff had only two birdies in his round of 73 and was tied for 38th in the 48-man field.
London is where the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league began last year, only in 2022 the tournament was played a week before the US Open.
For Smith, this is the last tournament he will play before defending his title at The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool from July 20 - live on Sky Sports.
The 151st Open takes place from July 20-23, with exclusive coverage throughout tournament week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the opening round begins on Thursday July 20 from 6.30am on Sky Sports Golf.
