The Australian followed his Open heroics with a sensational JCB showing. Less than a week after etching his name into major championship history, Lucas Herbert stole the show on day one of LIV Golf UK.Just six days – a little over 144 hours – after matching the lowest-ever round in Open Championship history at Royal Birkdale, Herbert was back rewriting the record books at the JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire.Lucas Herbert carded an incredible 11 under par in round one at LIV Golf UK | APThe Australian produced a sensational 11-under-par 61 to storm to the top of the leaderboard, delivering a breathtaking display featuring nine birdies and an eagle on the par-five 10th hole.His remarkable round set a new LIV Golf UK record at JCB and a new course record, despite the layout being extended to a par 72 this week compared with the par 71 setup used in previous editions.A packed grandstand on the par three 14th hole at LIV Golf UK. (Photo by Matthew Harris/LIV Golf) | APFrom tee to green, with his distinctive visor and glasses catching the eye, Herbert looked completely locked in. The thousands who descended on the pristine course near Uttoxeter were treated to a clinic in ball striking and putting as the Australian appeared incapable of making a mistake.Grouped alongside home favourite and Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter and two-time major champion Jon Rahm, Herbert was already drawing crowds several rows deep from the moment he stepped onto the course. As the afternoon progressed, those numbers continued to swell as the Australian maintained his charge and laid down an early marker.Dustin Johnson tees off during round one of LIV Golf UK in Staffordshire. (Photo by Matthew Harris/LIV Golf) | APBefore Herbert’s brilliance, last year’s champion Joaquin Niemann and Rahm – who lifted the trophy the year before – shared the lowest LIV Golf UK rounds at JCB. Both carded eight-under-par 63s when the course played as a par 71, with both going on to win the tournament in those respective years – perhaps a positive omen for Herbert.The Australian’s opening-round brilliance leaves him in pole position heading into the remaining three days and already marks him out as a serious contender to lift the trophy on Sunday.Lee Westwood tees off on the first hole at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire on Thursday. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APAway from the action, another major talking point followed the tournament throughout day one – whether LIV Golf will return to British soil next year.With uncertainty surrounding the future of the breakaway Saudi-backed circuit, fans gathered around tee boxes and greens were left wondering whether this could be their final opportunity to watch some of the biggest names in world golf compete at JCB.LIV Golf is seeking around £260 million of fresh investment to keep going after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it would step back from funding at the end of the year. The fund has invested almost £4 billion into the league since its launch in 2021.Home crowd favourite Lee Westwood at LIV Golf UK (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APRegardless of opinions surrounding the breakaway tour, its backers and the politics behind it, those who witnessed Thursday’s thrilling opening day will hope the event remains on the calendar for years to come.At JCB, day one delivered champagne golf from start to finish, with a host of players finishing well under par.While Herbert leads the way, he has a familiar threat chasing him down, with American crowd favourite Bryson DeChambeau breathing down his neck.Bryson DeChambeau during the first round of LIV Golf United Kingdom at JCB Golf & Country Club (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APLess than a week after being handed a two-shot penalty at the Open Championship after officials ruled he had improved the lie around his ball in thick rough, DeChambeau showed his accuracy off the tee by repeatedly finding the fairway.“Where’s your lawnmower?” one fan jokingly shouted to Bryson before he launched another monster drive down the 10th fairway.DeChambeau carded a brilliant eight-under-par 64 to sit three shots behind Herbert heading into Friday’s second round.Tyrrell Hatton of Legion XIII hits his shot from the 10th tee during LIV Golf United Kingdom in association with Bahri Pro-Am at JCB Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 in Rocester, England. (Photo by Matthew Harris/LIV Golf) | APHome favourite Tyrrell Hatton was also in fine form, sitting five shots off the lead after signing for a six-under-par 66.But defending champion Rahm, who could wrap up the individual LIV championship this week, endured a frustrating opening day, carding a one-over-par 73.Continue Reading