Yesterday marked an unforgettable start to LIV Golf Indianapolis 2025 at The Club at Chatham Hills. The opening round combined record-breaking golf with an atmosphere that felt more like a festival than a tournament, proving once again why Indianapolis is becoming a premier stage for world-class sports.
The standout of the day was Sebastián Muñoz from Torque GC, who produced a round for the history books. Despite an early double bogey, he caught fire with 13 birdies in his last 14 holes, finishing with a 12-under 59—only the third sub-60 round in LIV Golf history.
Muñoz described his performance as “insane,” and the roar from the Indy crowd as he tapped in his final putt showed just how much fans appreciated being part of such a rare sporting moment.
Muñoz wasn’t alone in making waves. His teammate and captain, Joaquín Niemann, carded a strong 64 (-7) to help Torque GC finish the day at the top of the team leaderboard with -23, four shots clear of 4Aces GC.
Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson of 4Aces showed why he remains one of the most dangerous players in the field. His 62 (-9)secured second place individually, setting him up for a potential run at his first win of the season. Jon Rahm, the defending Individual Champion, stayed competitive with a 67 (-4), but Niemann extended his projected lead in the season-long points race.
What makes LIV Golf unique is how it blends elite golf with fan-first entertainment, and Indianapolis fully embraced the spirit. The shotgun start had a special Indy flair as IndyCar driver Alex Palou and his wife Esther Valle led the golf carts in the legendary Indy 500 pace car, earning huge cheers from the crowd.
Adding to the star-studded atmosphere, actor Ross Butler joined the broadcast, and NBA Hall of Famer Mark Jacksonmingled with fans, turning the opening round into more than just a sporting event—it was a cultural moment.
The scoring at Chatham Hills was impressive across the board. The field average of 68.5 strokes was nearly two and a half under par, with 17 eagles on the day. The par-5 7th hole went into the books as the easiest hole ever played in a single round of LIV Golf.
Highlights also included Jon Rahm’s 385-yard driving average and Joaquín Niemann’s 406-yard bomb on the 7th hole. Muñoz, of course, dominated the stat sheet in putting and greens in regulation, proving that his record round was no fluke.
As the sun set over The Club at Chatham Hills, the energy shifted from the fairways to the stage when country music star Riley Green took over the evening entertainment. With his signature mix of modern country and Southern charm, Green had the crowd singing along to hits like “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” Fans filled the concert lawn, dancing, waving drinks in the air, and soaking in the festival vibe that LIV Golf has become known for. It wasn’t just a golf tournament—it felt like a true summer celebration in Indiana, where world-class sports met live music under the stars.
With Friday and Saturday grounds passes completely sold out, it’s clear that the Indy community has embraced LIV Golf in a big way. Fans can still grab limited VIP and Premium Hospitality tickets for Sunday’s final round, which is shaping up to be just as exciting.
Heading into the weekend, the storylines are stacked: Will Muñoz capture his first LIV Golf individual title? Can Dustin Johnson finally grab his first win of the year? Will Jon Rahm mount a comeback and defend his season crown, or will Niemann seal his place as the 2025 Individual Champion?
What’s certain is that Indianapolis is getting a front-row seat to golf history, and Round 1 has set the tone for an action-packed weekend. For me, being there to watch it unfold live was a reminder of why this city shines when it hosts global sporting events—it’s not just about the game, it’s about the energy, the people, and the unforgettable moments.
Photos by We Like Indy Team
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