To succeed at The Watering Hole, you have to embrace all that it offers. Pick a good walk-up song, produce a good shot, get the fans on your side. The only player in LIV history with a better stroke average at the 12th is Pat Perez, the former 4Aces GC player whose memorable celebration after sinking a lengthy birdie putt there is a must-watch highlight.
Asked why he’s performed so well at the 12th, Lee – who was born in Korea but moved to New Zealand at the age of 8 – responded, “The people. I like the crowds. The vibes. Just trying to make birdie everytime I go to that hole. Give them what they came here to see.”
Leishman, of course, has the benefit of being a home crowd favorite as a member of the all-Australian Rippers.
“I enjoy the whole vibe of the place,” he said. “It’s nice to be able to get them cheering, and to feel like you’re sort of the home team guy or the hometown person, it’s pretty cool. Yeah, hopefully I can do the same again this year.”
At least a dozen players in the field have not experienced The Watering Hole. One of those is young Fireballs GC star Josele Ballester, who joined LIV Golf in the middle of last season.
“I’ve seen some videos about it,” Ballester said. “I was fortunate enough last year when I was still in college to play at the Waste Management, and I had experienced that craziness, as well. So just can’t wait to be out there.”