Joaquin Niemann opened LIV Golf New York with a bogey-free 7-under 64, securing a two-shot lead after the first round at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. The Torque GC captain's performance also anchored his team to a three-shot advantage on the team leaderboard.

Niemann's round included approximately 140 feet of putts made, leading the field in Greens in Regulation and ranking high in Strokes Gained Off the Tee and Strokes Gained Approach. This ties his lowest round relative to par in his LIV Golf career. He recalled a similar strong start 2 1/2 years ago at Mayakoba, where he held the solo lead after the first round and went on to win.

"The putts are going in, which is nice," Niemann said after his round. "It's nice to see that. I'm just excited for what's coming next."

He will face competition from Lucas Herbert of Ripper GC and Ian Poulter of Majesticks GC, who are tied for second place after shooting 5-under 66s. Herbert, currently the league's hottest player, won his second tournament of the season two weeks ago in the UK. He also finished his first round without a bogey, marking the third consecutive round where he has not made a bogey.

Poulter, who has seen improved form in recent appearances, also completed his round bogey-free. He expressed hope to emulate his former Majesticks teammate Henrik Stenson, who won the individual title at Bedminster in 2022 when the course previously hosted a LIV Golf event.

In the season-long individual championship race, leaders Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau did not break par. Rahm shot a 1-over 72, while DeChambeau finished with a 5-over 76, his highest round over par in LIV Golf history. DeChambeau needs a significant performance to catch Rahm in the standings.

Other notable performances in Round 1 included Dean Burmester recording 18 pars, a feat achieved only twice before in LIV Golf history. The HyFlyers GC team has seen improved results since Scott Vincent joined the roster, with Brendan Steele serving as an elder statesman on the team alongside younger players like Michael La Sasso.

The second round at Trump National Bedminster is scheduled to begin with a shotgun start at 10:05 a.m. ET.