Cameron Smith Holds Four-Shot Lead at LIV Golf Bedminster, Phil Mickelson Among Close Pursuers
Australian golfer Cameron Smith is in the lead by four shots going into the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster tournament. With the challenging course and Smith’s exceptional form, it will be a tough task for the rest of the players to catch up to him. However, Smith remains humble and is not taking his lead for granted.
After shooting a 4-under 67 on Saturday, Smith finished the first two rounds at 9 under. While he acknowledges his comfortable position, he recognizes the challenges presented by the narrow fairways. Nevertheless, Smith is as prepared as he can be on a course like this.
One of Smith’s closest competitors is Phil Mickelson, who also shot a 67 and is tied for second place with Dean Burmester at 9 under. This is a significant moment for Mickelson as it is the first time in his 18 regular-season LIV Golf starts that he will be playing in the final group on a Sunday. Mickelson, 53, is determined to win his first professional tournament since the 2021 PGA Championship and sees this event as a stepping-stone towards achieving that goal.
While Smith has a comfortable lead individually, the team competition at Bedminster is tightly contested. Ripper GC and Stinger GC are tied at 11 under, with RangeGoats GC at 7 under and HyFlyers at 6 under. A team playoff has never occurred in LIV Golf history, but the battle on Sunday promises to be close. Ripper GC is eager to secure their first team victory after finishing in second place in London.
Last week’s performance at Greenbrier was a disappointment for Ripper GC as they failed to finish in the top 8. However, the team has been working hard to improve their game, and their current standing on the leaderboard motivates Smith to continue his strong performance.
For the Stingers, who finished third at Greenbrier, Sunday’s final round presents an opportunity for their sixth podium finish of the season. Depending on the performance of Torque GC, the South African team could move into second place in the season-long standings behind 4Aces GC.
The final group will undoubtedly be an exciting one, with Phil Mickelson generating huge support from fans in the Northeast. Observing him contend in the last round will only amplify the enthusiasm of the crowd. Mickelson appreciates playing in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, where the people have shown tremendous support throughout his career.
Cameron Smith anticipates a lively crowd following the leaders, and he enjoys the energy that a rowdy crowd brings to the game. As the tournament comes to a close, the battle for victory intensifies, with players determined to give their best performance.
In conclusion, Cameron Smith holds a significant lead in the individual standings, while Ripper GC and Stinger GC are tied in the team competition at LIV Golf Bedminster. The final round promises an exciting showdown, with Phil Mickelson aiming to secure his first professional win in over a year. The tournament has been closely fought, and the players are prepared for the challenge that lies ahead.
