Patrick Reed warned, Richard Bland penalised at LIV Golf Championship

During the opening round of the LIV Golf League Individual Championship at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Illinois, Patrick Reed received a warning for slow play, while his playing partner Richard Bland faced a one-stroke penalty and a significant fine. The group, which included Charles Schwartzel, struggled to maintain the required pace, trailing behind after just five holes. LIV Golf officials emphasized the importance of adhering to the 40-second rule for each shot, with an additional 10 seconds for the first player to play in the group. Bland's penalty occurred after he took too long on his second stroke at the par-five 12th hole, despite making a birdie. This infraction not only altered his score from a four to a five but also resulted in a $10,000 fine. The slow play issue overshadowed the players' performances, as Reed managed to finish the round at two-under-par, while Schwartzel and Bland ended at two-over and one-over, respectively. Brooks Koepka emerged as the leader after the first round, showcasing a flawless performance with an impressive eight-under-par score. He was four shots ahead of Paul Casey, with Anirban Lahiri in third place at three-under. The competition is fierce, with Jon Rahm starting at one-under-par and positioned as a strong contender for the championship title. The LIV Golf League's strict enforcement of pace of play rules aims to enhance the viewing experience and maintain the tournament's integrity. As the championship progresses, players will need to balance their performance with adherence to these regulations to avoid penalties and fines.