Sebastian Munoz etched his name into the LIV Golf history books with a stunning, record-setting 59 in the opening round of LIV Golf Indianapolis at The Club at Chatham Hills. The Torque GC veteran's 12-under par performance wasn't just the lowest round of the day; it was the third sub-60 round in LIV Golf history, joining Joaquin Niemann and Bryson DeChambeau in the exclusive club. What makes Munoz's feat even more remarkable is that he is the first golfer to ever shoot a 59 with a double bogey on the card.
Munoz started his round on the second hole and quickly found himself in trouble with a double bogey on the par-4 fifth. However, the Colombian demonstrated remarkable resilience, immediately bouncing back with a birdie on the sixth after chipping in. That birdie ignited an incredible run of eight consecutive birdies, setting a new LIV Golf record. After a par on the 14th, Munoz closed his round with another five birdies, including a three-foot putt on his final hole, the par-4 first. In total, Munoz made a record-breaking 14 birdies during the round.
"Awesome, awesome day," Munoz said, describing his feelings about the historic round. He admitted that he had briefly dwelled on a missed putt from a U.S. Open qualifier when facing his final short putt for the 59, but managed to stay focused.
Munoz's 59 gives him a three-shot lead over 4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson, who fired a 9-under 62. Four players, including Munoz's Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann, are tied for third at 7-under after shooting 64s. Niemann, who himself was on "59 watch" after an opening 6-under front nine, is looking to dethrone Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm as LIV Golf's Individual Champion. Rahm, who is currently tied for 12th, needs to win the tournament and hope that Niemann doesn't finish second to successfully defend his title.
The team leaderboard sees Torque GC in the top spot after a combined 23-under par performance, four shots ahead of 4Aces GC. HyFlyers GC sits in third place at 15-under.
Several players made significant moves in the projected Lock Zone and Drop Zone standings after the first round. Dustin Johnson and Cameron Tringale moved into the projected top 24, which guarantees playing privileges for next season, while Charl Schwartzel and Charles Howell III dropped out. Andy Ogletree moved out of the projected Drop Zone, while Lee Westwood fell into it.
With two rounds remaining, Sebastian Munoz is in prime position to capture his first LIV Golf individual tournament win. His record-setting 59 has set the stage for an exciting weekend of golf at The Club at Chatham Hills.