CRUSHERS GC vs. SMASH GC
Bryson DeChambeau vs. Talor Gooch
DeChambeau def. Westwood 4&2. Gooch def. Reed 1 up
DeChambeau’s choice to play Gooch was a bit surprising, as a showdown with his former rival, Brooks Koepka, seemed likely. However, Gooch, who ranked 6th in the individual standings this season, has undoubtedly been Smash GC’s best player. When asked about the decision, DeChambeau said with a smile, “I’ve got my reasons,” before adding, “It’s not personal, though, I can tell you that. It’s not.”
Gooch, who won at Valderrama earlier this year, should give DeChambeau all he can handle in this important matchup.
Anirban Lahiri vs. Brooks Koepka
Friday Result: Horsfield def. Lahiri 2&1. Johnson def. Koepka 1 up.
Lahiri is still looking for his first singles match win on LIV Golf (0-4) and will face Koepka, who has struggled towards the end of the season. Koepka made four birdies on Friday to Lahiri’s three.
Paul Casey/Charles Howell III vs. Jason Kokrak/Graeme McDowell
Friday Result: Casey/Howell III def. Stenson/Poulter 5&4.
Both foursomes were dominant on Friday, and this match should feature plenty of birdie looks with teammates whose games complement each other extremely well. Crushers GC have been experimenting with pairings over the past few years but may have found the perfect combination in Casey and Howell III. “For them today, they felt comfortable, they said. I feel like it was a great pairing. They’re super comfortable. They played great golf. We’re just going to keep the train rolling,” DeChambeau said on Friday.