WESTFIELD, Ind. — Laurie Canter opened LIV Golf Indianapolis with the best round of his LIV Golf career, shooting an 8-under 62 on Thursday at The Club at Chatham Hills.
Canter holds a one-shot lead after the opening round of the 2026 season finale, with Cameron Smith and Richard T. Lee tied for second at 7 under.
The strong start also lifted Majesticks Golf Club to the top of the team leaderboard. The team finished the day at 17 under, two shots ahead of both Ripper GC and Legion XIII.
For Canter, the round continues a recent run of improved form. The English golfer bounced back from an early bogey with birdies on five of his next six holes and never looked back.
A crowded leaderboard in Westfield
Behind the leaders, eight players are tied for fourth at 6 under, including Joaquin Niemann, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Caleb Surratt, Lee Westwood and Bubba Watson.
Westwood’s 64 was particularly important for Majesticks, giving the team two of the strongest rounds of the day as it looks to capture its first team title.
Ripper GC and Legion XIII both finished Round 1 at 15 under, keeping the team championship race tight heading into Friday.
Majesticks off to a fast start
Majesticks entered the season finale without a team victory and had struggled through much of the 2026 season. But recent results have given the team momentum at the right time.
Now, after one round in Indianapolis, they find themselves in position to compete for the 2026 Team Championship.
The format also plays in their favor. Unlike previous LIV Golf Team Championships that included match play, this year’s championship will be decided over four rounds of stroke play, with all four scores counting.
That makes consistency especially important over the next three days.
Championship battles remain open
While Jon Rahm has already secured the 2026 LIV Golf Individual Championship, the remaining positions on the season-long podium are still being contested.
Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann both opened with 6-under 64s and remain in the mix for the top three in the final standings. Lucas Herbert finished the opening round at 4 under, while Tyrrell Hatton carded a 5-under round.
Meanwhile, the team race remains wide open, although Majesticks Golf Club now has the early advantage.
LIV Golf Indianapolis continues Friday at The Club at Chatham Hills, with three rounds remaining before the league crowns its 2026 team champion and an individual winner in Westfield.
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