Imagine stepping onto the golf course for the very first time in a high-stakes tournament, your heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. That’s exactly what newcomers Thomas Detry and Elvis Smylie experienced as they teed off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh event. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Detry and Smylie were making their LIV Golf debuts, veteran Peter Uihlein was already marking his 51st start, leaving many to wonder if experience truly trumps fresh talent. And this is the part most people miss—despite the pressure, both newcomers not only held their ground but shared the first-round lead with Uihlein, proving that LIV Golf’s 2026 season is anything but predictable.
Detry, the newest addition to the 4Aces GC, delivered a flawless bogey-free 7-under 65, tying with Uihlein of RangeGoats GC. Smylie, the 23-year-old sensation from Ripper GC, wasn’t far behind with a 66, securing solo third. Boldly put, this isn’t just a tournament—it’s a statement. With 10 players, including eight full-timers and two reserves, making their LIV Golf debuts, the competition is fiercer than ever. Byeong Hun An, the new captain of Korean Golf Club, shone with a 67, tying for fourth, while 21-year-old Michael La Sasso of HyFlyers GC made a stellar pro debut with a 69, showcasing the league’s rising stars.
Teamwise, Torque GC took the lead at 15 under, with Southern Guards GC trailing by two shots. Defending champions Legion XIII sit in third at 11 under, but the real story is the energy brought by the newcomers. Detry and Smylie tied for the most fairways hit (10), and Detry also led in greens in regulation, hitting 17 of 18. His secret? Practicing under the lights in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the night rounds. But here’s the question—can these newcomers sustain their momentum, or will experience ultimately prevail?
Smylie, despite a bogey on his second hole, found his rhythm with five birdies on par 4s, tying Talor Gooch for the most on Wednesday. ‘I think I showed what I’m capable of tonight,’ Smylie said, his confidence palpable. Meanwhile, Uihlein, still chasing his first LIV Golf win, hopes the new 72-hole format will play to his strengths. ‘I’m not scared of a blowup every now and then,’ he said. ‘Now I have more holes to make it up.’
And this is the part most people miss—the format change isn’t just about adding holes; it’s about shifting mindsets. Gooch, a four-time individual title winner, admitted, ‘It’s a totally different vibe.’ His teammate Harold Varner III summed it up: ‘Don’t come out the gate sprinting. It’s not a sprint anymore.’
Amidst the golf, the tournament’s expanded 57-player field and energetic atmosphere, complete with concerts and entertainment, are redefining what a golf event can be. Smylie put it best: ‘I’m really thriving in an environment like that.’
Controversy & Comment Hooks: The OWGR’s decision to award points to only the top 10 finishers has sparked debate. Jon Rahm called it ‘a step in the right direction’ but criticized the unfairness, while Talor Gooch questioned if it’s truly fair. What do you think? Is the OWGR’s approach justified, or does it undermine LIV Golf’s legitimacy?
From La Sasso’s pro debut to Bryson DeChambeau’s comeback from a rough start, Round 1 was a night of firsts. Wild Card players like Scott Vincent and Anthony Kim also made waves, proving that LIV Golf’s 2026 season is a battleground for both veterans and newcomers alike. But here’s the ultimate question—who will rise to the top, and will experience or raw talent reign supreme? Let the debate begin.
