Smith Knew What Was Coming
Before the tournament, Smith acknowledged that Bedminster was very hard — requiring players to hit fairways and scramble effectively. He noted that Australians generally thrive on tough setups, and predicted this would be one of the toughest tracks of the season.
He was right. Playing at 7,651 yards (par 71), it stands as the second-longest course LIV has featured in 2026 behind Trump National Washington. The layout was lengthened by more than 125 yards since 2023 with new back tees on the 9th, 13th, and 16th holes — tees Smith had never seen before.
Teammate Lucas Herbert, also playing Bedminster for the first time without any prior history on the track, opened with a 66 to sit two off the lead. Smith signed for a 75.
What Niemann Did
Joaquín Niemann posted a bogey-free 7-under 64, birdying four of his first five holes and going out in 30. He sank roughly 140 feet of putts while hitting 15 of 18 greens in regulation.
The round tied his lowest score relative to par in 41 LIV rounds this season and marked his first solo first-round lead since his 59 at Mayakoba in February 2024. Meanwhile, Ian Poulter carded a bogey-free 66, continuing a strong stretch following his T4 at the U.S. Senior Open and T15 at LIV UK.
Why Smith's Week Is More Interesting Than the Number
Two days before teeing off, Smith candidly stated that if LIV ever folded and the PGA Tour became the only option, "that's where everyone would want to be — 100%," while adding that he wants LIV to succeed and remains contracted through next season.
His Ripper GC team arrived trailing the 4Aces by under three points in the season standings after winning three titles this year. Coming off a fourth-place finish at LIV UK, Smith returned to the venue of his greatest victory, acknowledged league uncertainty, and shot four over in round one. It was simply a tough Thursday on a modified golf course.
What a Normal Golfer Takes From This
Course knowledge expires. Adding 125 yards of back tees meant Bedminster was not the exact course Smith memorized in 2023. If you haven't played a venue in three years, layout adjustments change the test entirely.
Simultaneously, driving distance alone didn't solve the layout: Bryson DeChambeau led the field averaging 323.8 yards off the tee but shot 76. Niemann won the day by combining greens in regulation with a hot putter from range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads LIV Golf New York after Round 1?
Joaquín Niemann leads after opening with a bogey-free 7-under 64, holding a two-shot lead over Ian Poulter and Lucas Herbert.
What did Cameron Smith shoot in the opening round?
Cameron Smith shot a 4-over 75 at Trump National Bedminster, the site of his 7-shot victory in 2023.
How long is Trump National Bedminster playing for LIV Golf New York?
The course plays 7,651 yards to a par of 71, having added over 125 yards in new back tees since 2023.
What is the tournament scoring record at Bedminster?
Cameron Smith holds the tournament record at 12-under 201, set over 54 holes during his victory in 2023.
The Raw Take
Past dominant victories offer zero guarantees when course setup changes. Adding 125 yards to an already formidable 7,500+ yard layout resets the field, proving that current iron play and routine on the greens beat course nostalgia every single time.