An Byeong-hun Secures Joint 10th Place in LIV Golf Debut, Poised for Final Round Charge

Global Sports Desk - Ekhbary News Agency

An Byeong-hun Secures Joint 10th Place in LIV Golf Debut, Poised for Final Round Charge

In the ongoing LIV Golf 2026 season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Korean golf sensation An Byeong-hun has made a successful debut, securing a joint 10th place. An, who recently joined the LIV Golf Tour, which has reshaped the global golf landscape, showcased an impressive performance in the second round of the Riyadh tournament, narrowing the gap to the leaders to just three shots and raising expectations for a potential comeback victory in the final round.

On February 5 (local time), during the second day of the LIV Golf Riyadh tournament (total prize money $30 million) held at Saudi Arabia's prestigious Riyadh Golf Club (par 72, 7,464 yards), An Byeong-hun carded a 2-under-par 70, with three birdies and one bogey. While his ranking slipped slightly from a joint 4th place on day one, he maintained a strong joint 10th position with an aggregate of 7-under-par 137, alongside international players such as Joaquin Niemann (Chile), Abraham Ancer (Mexico), and Yosuke Asaji (Japan). Crucially, the narrow three-shot difference from the co-leaders places him in an extremely advantageous position to contend for the top spot in the upcoming final round.

An Byeong-hun's move to LIV Golf has caused considerable ripples in the golfing world. Having proven his mettle over many years on the PGA Tour in the United States, An embarked on a new challenge this year as the captain of the Korean Golf Club within LIV Golf. The LIV Golf Tour, with its substantial prize money and innovative team league system, has created fierce competition with the traditional PGA Tour, attracting top-tier players globally. Amidst this evolving landscape, An Byeong-hun sought new opportunities by making his LIV Golf debut.

The current co-leaders of the tournament are Thomas Detry (Belgium), Peter Uihlein, and Taylor Gooch (both from the United States), all of whom recorded an aggregate of 10-under-par 134, engaging in a tight battle for the lead. Taylor Gooch, who competed on the PGA Tour until last year, is a prominent star within LIV Golf, and his strong performance further solidifies the tour's standing.

Beyond An Byeong-hun, several other Korean-descent players are actively competing on the LIV Golf stage. Lee Tae-hoon (Canada), who played on the Korean KPGA Tour until last year, is performing well, securing a joint 21st place with a 5-under-par 139. Danny Lee (New Zealand) and Anthony Kim (United States) are tied for 29th with a 4-under-par 140. Song Young-han, a member of the Korean Golf Club, is currently tied for 37th at 2-under-par 142, while Kim Min-kyu is tied for 54th at 2-over-par 146. The presence of these players is a significant factor in elevating the stature of Korean golf within LIV Golf.

LIV Golf not only features individual competition but also incorporates a team-based format, offering new excitement for fans. The performance of the Korean Golf Club, led by An Byeong-hun, is anticipated with keen interest this season. With substantial investment and innovative tournament formats, LIV Golf aims to challenge traditional golf tours, attract a younger fanbase, and popularize the sport. An Byeong-hun's addition is expected to play a crucial role in expanding LIV Golf's influence in the Asian market, particularly in South Korea.

This Riyadh tournament is a significant event marking the beginning of the 2026 season, providing an opportunity to observe LIV Golf's growth potential and shifts in the global golf market. Golf fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the drama An Byeong-hun will unfold in the final round and the synergy the Korean Golf Club will demonstrate in the team competition. There is considerable anticipation as to whether An Byeong-hun's LIV Golf debut will mark a new chapter in Korean golf history.

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