Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel is still leading in London after the second round of the opening tournament of the hotly debated LIV Golf Invitational Series. The South African followed up on Friday at the Centurion Club with a 66 after a round of 65 (5 under par) from the day before. The 37-year-old has a three-stroke lead over his compatriot Hennie du Plessis, who is also second.
Once again nobody was better than Schwartzel, the Burgenland Bernd Wiesberger needed six strokes more with a 72 – at least five attempts less than in his opening round. This time, Austria’s number two posted four birdies (gains) and four bogeys (losses), plus a double bogey. In the 48-strong field, it was enough to improve by just four positions to 41st place.
The American Phil Mickelson, one of the figureheads of the tour, which was provided with big prize money by Saudi Arabia, fell far back to 26th place with a 75. His chance of winning the $4 million check is gone. All participants in London were suspended from the PGA Tour on Thursday. The North American professional golf series went head-to-head with the new Saudi Golf League LIV.
The event features new competition rules, $25 million in prize money and a new format. The game is played over three rounds of 54 holes instead of the traditional four-day 72-hole tournament. There is no cut – the 48 golfers play all three rounds – in addition to the individual but also a team competition. The Stinger team from Schwartzel and du Plessis, among others, has a seven stroke lead.