Hong Kong, March 5 India's Anirban Lahiri finished with a birdie-birdie performance to end at 4-under par, tying for 16th in the LIV Golf Hong Kong. The soft conditions at the par-70 course here on Thursday led to low scores.
Carlos Ortiz of Torque GC finished the round on top after shooting a 10-under 60. The Mexican made nine birdies, one eagle, and one bogey in the lowest round in LIV Golf history.
Dean Burmester, who finished second last year in Hong Kong, is close behind, trailing Ortiz. Burmester shot an 8-under 62, making only one bogey.
Garcia is also off to a strong start in his bid to win the tournament for the second consecutive season. The captain of Fireballs GC shot a bogey-free 63, making every putt.
Garcia has now completed 63 consecutive holes at Fanling without making a bogey.
Garcia is currently tied for third with Talor Gooch, captain of Smash GC, Younghan Song of Korean Golf Club, and wildcard player Scott Vincent.