LIV Golf LIVE: Leaderboard and Day 3 scores as Branden Grace holds off Dustin Johnson to win in Portland
Relive all the action from the final day of the controversial Saudi-backed invitational event
Branden Grace produced a spectacular final round to win the LIV Golf Portland event and claim the £3.2m first prize. The South African had started two shots back of Carlos Ortiz but a round of 65 saw him storm to victory three shots clear of the Mexican. Former world No 1 Dustin Johnson had been in contention despite a slow start but couldn’t keep pace with Grace on the back-nine, while Patrick Reed’s charge came too late to threaten the top of the leaderboard.
Grace had won twice on the PGA Tour and nine times on the European Tour before defecting to LIV Golf ahead of the inaugural event at Centurion Club last month. He is part of the Stinger GC team that won just outside London as Charl Schwartzel claimed victory. Despite Grace’s performance, it was the 4 Aces team featuring Johnson, Reed, Pat Perez and Talor Gooch that took the prize this time around.
While the action unfolded, LIV Golf also announced their latest new signing in Ryder Cup regular Paul Casey. “LIV Golf continues to attract the best players in the sport as it builds increasingly competitive fields with each event,” LIV Golf’s chief executive, Greg Norman, said. “Paul Casey adds to the growing list of top 50 golfers who are excited to be part of an innovative and entertaining format that is creating something new for golf. His proven track record on a global stage adds another exciting piece to the competition as we prepare for Bedminster.”
LIV Golf Portland
We’re just five minutes away from the shotgun start at Pumpkin Ridge. Bryson DeChambeau is talking up his chances of a late charge. The former US Open champion starts five shots off the lead.
LIV Golf Portland
Here’s a look at what Dustin Johnson and Carlos Ortiz had to say after finishing in a tie for the lead yesterday.
LIV Golf Portland
There are several English players in the field although few have fared too well. Sam Horsfield is the only one with an outside chance, starting five shots off the lead. Lee Westwood is at +3, with Richard Bland and Laurie Canter one short further back. Ian Poulter meanwhile is really plumbing the depths of the leaderboard at +8 after two torrid rounds.
LIV Golf Portland
To understand more about who is benefitting most from the bottomless pit of money behind LIV, read this great report from Alan Shipnuck who spoke to players and agents on-site in Portland.
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LIV Golf Portland
One man who won’t be in contention this evening is Phil Mickelson. The 52-year-old produced a miserable performance at the US Open and there’s been little joy to take from Pumpkin Ridge either. A pair of 75s has him at +6, some 14 shots off the lead.
LIV Golf Portland
If you missed yesterday’s action, you can catch up on the highlights below. Dustin Johnson was threatening to run away with it at one stage, with eight birdies propelling him to -10, but a late blip has left it very much an open race.
LIV Golf Portland
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the final day of the LIV Golf event in Portland.
Dustin Johnson and Carlos Ortiz share the lead at -8 ahead of the 9.15pm BST shotgun start at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club. Branden Grace is two shots back but Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed remain in outside contention at -4.
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