Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia, both former Masters champions, have grabbed a share of the lead after the first round of LIV Golf Chicago 2025. The two golfers shot a 4-under-par 67 on Friday at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

The opening round saw LIV Golf's stars battling hot and windy conditions on the course. Garcia, captain of Fireballs GC, emerged from a crowded leaderboard to secure his position. His round was a mix of highs and lows, featuring eight birdies but also four bogeys. Garcia had a strong run with four birdies at Nos. 11-14, jumping to 6 under, but he gave up the solo lead after finishing with back-to-back bogeys. Despite the finish, Garcia stated he would have taken 4 under at the beginning of the day. Last year, Garcia finished T2 at Bolingbrook. He is also using a Titleist Scotty Cameron Del Mar 3.5 putter this week.

Dustin Johnson, who is the captain of 4Aces GC, shares the lead with Garcia after bouncing back from a last-place finish at LIV Golf UK. Johnson overcame two early bogeys to reach 4 under. He also benefited from having his brother, Austin, back as his caddie. Johnson acknowledged the advantage of having his brother on the bag. Johnson felt that his scores this season have not reflected the quality of his play. He stated that he needs to drive the ball straighter and improve his wedge play.

A group of six players are one stroke behind the leaders. This group includes Jon Rahm, Dean Burmester, Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Phil Mickelson, and Brooks Koepka, all of whom carded opening rounds of 68. Koepka is tied for third after shooting a 3-under 68. Mickelson also had a strong start with four straight birdies at Nos. 12-15, but bogeys at Nos. 17 and 18 impacted his finish.

Looking ahead, Garcia is hoping to make the European Ryder Cup team. Rahm is aiming for his second individual title with LIV Golf. Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson had slow starts and are in danger of being relegated.