LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau used a sizzling burst of late birdies to muscle into a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler on Thursday as Spaniard Jon Rahm’s Masters title defence got off to a shaky start.
After a storm delayed the start of the year’s first major by 2-1/2 hours, 2020 US Open champion DeChambeau thrived in the softened but windy conditions and mixed eight birdies with one bogey for a seven-under-par 65.
Due to the late start, there were 27 golfers who had yet to finish their opening rounds before play was suspended due to darkness, including Masters debutant Nicolai Hojgaard of Denmark who was two shots back of DeChambeau with three holes to play.
DeChambeau, who raised eyebrows in 2020 when he said the par-72 Augusta National layout for him played more like a par-67, enjoyed a fast start as he opened with three consecutive birdie putts, none longer than six feet.
The only blemish on DeChambeau’s card came at the par-four ninth where he three-putted from 70 feet but he went on to scorch the back nine with five birdies over a hot six-hole stretch that he capped with a 31-foot birdie putt at the 17th.
“I have a level of respect for this golf course that’s a little bit different than a couple years ago, and clearly today was a great test of golf, and I was able to conquer a very difficult golf course,” said DeChambeau, who is one of 13 LIV Golf players in the field.
“Regarding the 67 comment, you know, you mess up. I’m not a perfect person. Everybody messes up. You learn from your mistakes, and that was definitely one.”
World number one and pre-tournament favourite Scheffler, playing in a high-profile group with Grand Slam-seeking Rory McIlroy and Olympic champion Xander Schauffele, also rode a late birdie blitz to card a bogey-free six-under-par 66.
Scheffler, the 2022 Masters champion, was two under through 11 holes but caught fire with four birdies over his next five to pull within a shot of DeChambeau.
“I did a good job of staying patient today,” said Scheffler. “We kept the golf course in front of us. And, I mean, I executed some really nice up-and-downs to keep the round going.”
McIlroy, who missed the cut in last year’s Masters and is making his 10th attempt at completing a career Grand Slam of golf’s four majors, opened with a 71 while world number five Schauffele carded a 72.
COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED
Sitting in the clubhouse alone in third place was 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, who is making his first start since undergoing shoulder surgery in September and only decided on Sunday that he would play this week.
The 36-year-old Englishman reached the turn at three under but two bogeys over his next five holes knocked him out of contention until he birdied three of the final four holes.
“I think I might take the next six months off,” Willett joked after his opening 68. “No, it’s completely unexpected. Sometimes that happens, whatever. You make a couple of birdies and your mind starts thinking, all right, I can do it.”
LIV Golf’s Rahm, bidding to become the fourth golfer to successfully defend his Masters crown, launched his title defence with a one-over-par 73.
Rahm reached the turn riding high after two consecutive birdies moved him to two under but he endured a shaky back nine that included four bogeys.
“It’s a difficult golf course. That’s all I can say,” said Rahm. “It’s not easy. You’re not really having the luxury out there of being able to miss shots, especially tee shots. Unfortunately, on that back nine I missed a few too many shots.”
The delayed start to the first round means the day’s late starters, including five-times champion Tiger Woods, 2023 runner-up Brooks Koepka and former winner Dustin Johnson, are unlikely to finish their first rounds on Thursday.
Woods, who is seeking a Masters tournament record 24th consecutive made cut but was one under par through 13 holes.
The 15-times major champion, playing in only his second tournament of 2024 due to nagging injuries, will return early on Friday to complete his opening round and will then have a short turnaround before the second round.
The UAE Men’s National Cricket Team is heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a major boost, as STARTRADER has been announced as its Official Partner for the global tournament.
The renewed partnership means STARTRADER’s branding will feature on the official UAE team jerseys throughout the World Cup, which kicks off on February 7, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka.
The agreement was signed in Dubai on Wednesday, January 14, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad, ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas, STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten, and UAE Men’s Captain Muhammad Waseem.
STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten said the collaboration builds on the company’s earlier sponsorship of the UAE team during the Asia Cup, but with an even stronger commitment this time around.
“We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust and growth can achieve,” Karsten said.
“Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”
He added that the partnership mirrors STARTRADER’s core values, where trust in strategy and teamwork plays a vital role in achieving sustainable growth, whether on the pitch or in global markets.
STARTRADER is regulated by five international authorities, including the SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, reinforcing its focus on transparency, trust and long-term growth for its clients.
Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad welcomed the renewed partnership, describing it as a relationship that goes beyond sport.
“We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” he said.
“This partnership reflects shared values of discipline, focus and resilience, and aligns perfectly with our vision as the UAE team continues to perform on the world stage.”
Dubai is about to serve up something big on the global sports stage. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced Dubai as the permanent opening destination of its brand-new international championship, the Beach World Series, which will launch for the first time in November 2026.
The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a five-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB, a move that further cements Dubai’s reputation as a leading host of major global sporting events.
A new model for global sport
Under the agreement, Dubai will become the first city in the world to host a permanent opening stop of the Beach World Series, setting a new benchmark for global championships that combine elite competition with entertainment, culture, and fan engagement.
The series introduces an innovative format that blends high-level beach volleyball with music, interactive experiences, and a vibrant beach atmosphere, offering something beyond traditional sporting events.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Dubai Sports Council, with signatures from Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.
Ten global destinations
The Beach World Series will span 10 international destinations, each bringing its own identity and local flavour to the competition. Dubai’s role as the opening city positions it at the heart of this global journey, showcasing beach volleyball as both an elite sport and a shared cultural experience.
Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Beach World Series expands across globally recognised sports and entertainment hubs.
Fireworks, flair and firsts, DP World ILT20 Season 4 delivered a finale to remember as the Desert Vipers lifted their maiden title, crushing MI Emirates by 46 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium.
While the trophy glittered, the spotlight also shone brightly on the league’s iconic signature belts, with star performances keeping fans guessing right up to the final ball.
Leading the charge was Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran, who produced a season for the ages, sweeping both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter). Calm under pressure and devastating with the bat, Curran’s unbeaten 74 in the final sealed the Vipers’ historic triumph and underlined his status as the league’s standout performer.
The Vipers walked away not just with silverware but a $700,000 winners’ purse and the Black Belt, while runners-up MI Emirates earned $300,000 for another strong campaign.
Red Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)
Curran piled up 397 runs, while snapping seven wickets, taking 10 catches and finishing with a tournament-high 691 points. It was dominance, delivered with leadership.
Green Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)
With 397 runs at a strike rate of 135, Curran topped the batting charts, smashing 17 sixes and proving clutch when it mattered most.
White Belt: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)
Spin wizard Waqar Salamkheil claimed the bowling honours with 18 wickets at an economy of 7.66, earning his second White Belt in ILT20 history.
Blue Belt: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)
UAE stalwart Muhammad Waseem continued his incredible run, securing the Blue Belt for a fourth straight season after scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 132.
With unforgettable moments, top performances, and a champion crowned, DP World ILT20 Season 4 once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world of cricket.
