Bryson DeChambeau bombs his way to lead at LIV Golf Mexico City

Bryson DeChambeau opened with an 8-under-par 63 to take a one-shot lead over fellow major champions Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm at LIV Golf Mexico City on Friday.

DeChambeau eagled his first hole of the day, the short par-4 second at Club De Golf Chapultepec, and was 4 under through three. He carded just one bogey before finishing birdie-birdie-par-birdie.

In the thin air of Mexico City, DeChambeau averaged 370 yards per drive with three 400-yard drives, per a reporter.

"Yeah, 370 is about right," DeChambeau said. "I was flying it that far on the driving range. I'm like, ‘OK, I think that's going to be my average,' and if the fairways get firm, it could be more. It could be a lot more."

The team DeChambeau captains, Crushers GC, posted a collective score of 15 under to tie for first with Smith's all-Australian Ripper GC.

Smith paired nine birdies with two bogeys.

"Just kind of getting out of my own way today was really important and just trusting it," Smith said. "It's a tough golf course, especially to get it in the fairway, which is something that I've been struggling with. I decided to just kind of let it go and get out of my own way."

As for Rahm, the Spaniard is third in the points standings so far this season but is still searching for his first win since September at LIV Golf Chicago.

He had the same total as Smith -- nine birdies, two bogeys -- which included a near-ace at his finishing hole, the par-3 18th. His ball skirted right past the cup and he made a short birdie putt.

Rahm was also pleased with his start of three birdies in a row.

"What better way to start it than with three birdies in a row," Rahm said. "That just set the tone, and felt really comfortable on the greens all day. Couldn't really have asked for a much better score."

Bubba Watson is alone in fourth at 5-under 66. England's Tyrrell Hatton is fifth at 4-under 67.

--Field Level Media