In the world of golf, a thrilling tournament unfolds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh newcomers. But here's where it gets intriguing: LIV Golf's Riyadh event showcases a battle between the experienced and the rookies.
On February 4th, 2026, Thomas Detry, a nervous newcomer, and Elvis Smylie, another league rookie, took the stage for their LIV Golf debuts. Despite their jitters, they delivered impressive performances, signaling their intent to make a mark this season. Detry, the newest addition to 4Aces GC, achieved a bogey-free 7-under 65, sharing the ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh lead with LIV Golf veteran Peter Uihlein from RangeGoats GC.
And this is the part most people miss—the significance of this achievement. Detry's stellar performance included hitting 10 fairways, tying for the best in the field, and leading in greens in regulation, hitting an impressive 17 out of 18. His preparation for night golf paid off, as he practiced under the lights with his coach in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Smylie, a 23-year-old rising star at Ripper GC, carded a 66, securing solo third place. He overcame a bogey on his second hole and found his rhythm, with five of his seven birdies coming on par 4s, matching the new Smash GC Captain Talor Gooch's performance.
The tournament featured 10 players making their LIV Golf debuts, including Byeong Hun An, the new captain of Korean Golf Club, who shot a 67 in his first appearance. Michael La Sasso, the league's youngest player at 21, made his pro debut with a 3-under 69, showcasing his potential.
The team competition saw Torque GC take the lead at 15 under, while Southern Guards GC, an all-South African team, trailed by two shots. Legion XIII, the defending Riyadh champions, held solo third at 11 under.
As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for a captivating battle between the seasoned Uihlein, seeking his first LIV Golf win, and the determined newcomers Detry and Smylie. The expanded 57-player field adds to the excitement, with newcomers eager to make their mark.
But the real controversy lies in the Official World Golf Ranking points allocation. With only the top 10 individual finishers receiving points, some players feel it's unfair, especially compared to other tours. Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm expressed his mixed feelings, stating, "It's fantastic that we're being recognized... But I don't like how we're not being treated the same as every other tour."
Other players, like Talor Gooch and Charles Howell III, also shared their thoughts, sparking a debate on the fairness of the points system.
As the tournament continues, the leaderboard promises to be a rollercoaster, and the discussion around the OWGR points allocation is sure to heat up. Will the newcomers continue to shine, or will the veterans assert their dominance? And what's your take on the OWGR points controversy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
