A stunning twist has rocked the Australian PGA Championship — a tournament where champions are made, but also where reputations can burn out fast. LIV Golf sensation Joaquin Niemann is feeling the heat in Brisbane, while a homegrown favorite lights up the leaderboard. And this is the part most people didn’t see coming...
At Royal Queensland, Niemann, who dominated the LIV circuit this year with five victories, is facing a tense afternoon wait to discover if he’ll even make the cut. The Chilean star has struggled to find his rhythm, posting identical even-par rounds of 71 across two days. That leaves him hovering on the bubble, hoping others falter so the projected cut line — currently sitting at one-under — slides in his favor.
While Niemann nervously watches from the clubhouse, fellow international Rasmus Neergard-Petersen, bound for the PGA Tour, also couldn’t find form, finishing five-over after rounds of 74 and 73. For these global names, the Queensland challenge has been anything but kind.
In contrast, the Aussie charge has been fierce and confident. Marc Leishman and Cam Davis both ended their morning rounds at seven-under, just three shots behind the leader, Queensland’s own Brett Rankin. Leishman, a seasoned veteran with years of experience under pressure, still had five holes to complete when he surged to 10-under overall — putting himself squarely in the title hunt.
And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Heavy hitters Adam Scott (-3), Min Woo Lee (-3), and Cam Smith (-2) are all joining the action this afternoon, promising even more fireworks as the leaderboard tightens.
For those following every swing and stumble, real-time updates are available through Fox Sports’ live leaderboard, with all the action streaming via Kayo Sports from November 27–30 — newcomers can even grab their first month for just a dollar.
Round 1 Recap
Thursday’s opening round offered no shortage of drama, headlined by little-known Spaniard Rocco Repetto Taylor, who set Royal Queensland buzzing with one of the wildest finishes ever witnessed. The 23-year-old, celebrating his birthday and recently promoted from the HotelPlanner Tour, went on a jaw-dropping run of birdie-birdie-eagle-eagle-birdie-birdie — tearing through his final six holes at eight-under par.
His dazzling round of 64 placed him just one stroke behind compatriot Sebastian Garcia, who led at eight-under after completing his bogey-free 63 once lightning delays had cleared. “First round in Australia, first round on the DP World Tour — it’s something I’ll remember forever,” Repetto Taylor said, his joy reflecting the magnitude of the moment.
Among the Aussies, Brett Rankin soared early, matching the Spaniard’s 64 with a sparkling stretch of five birdies on the front nine. Daniel Gale also thrilled fans, not just with a six-under 65, but with a spectacular hole-in-one at the par-3 11th — a shot that earned him a brand-new BMW.
Leishman’s 67 put him solidly in contention alongside fellow Australian Anthony Quayle, who’s joined this week by none other than Tiger Woods’ former caddie, Steve Williams. New Zealander Ryan Fox also landed at 67, keeping himself in the early mix. Other big names like Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee, and Cam Davis ended day one at three-under, while Cam Smith and Marco Penge closed at two-under and one-under respectively.
Tee Times – Round 2 (QLD Time)
- 7:30 AM (Hole 10): Daniel Hillier, Cam Davis, Joaquin Niemann
- 7:40 AM (Hole 10): Abraham Ancer, Marc Leishman, Rasmus Neergard-Petersen
- 12:30 PM (Hole 1): Marco Penge, Min Woo Lee, Cam Smith
- 12:40 PM (Hole 1): Ryan Fox, Adam Scott, Elvis Smylie
The mix of triumphs, near-misses, and rising stars has already made this championship a rollercoaster of emotions. But here’s what’s sparking debate: Can the LIV stars prove their value against the best of Australia’s homegrown talent, or are they being exposed on tougher, more traditional courses?
What do you think — are LIV players struggling because of the competition, or because the style of play on their tour doesn’t prepare them for challenges like Royal Queensland? Share your thoughts below — this discussion is just getting started.
