Birdie blitz will decide LIV Golf winner: Leishman

Leishman will start Saturday's second round at The Grange at five under, four shots adrift of Japanese leader Jinichiro Kozuma.

Leishman's fellow Australians Matt Jones (six under) and Cameron Smith (four under) are also in the hunt after fruitful first rounds.

"There's so many wedges out here, even if it does firm up a lot, I think you've still got to be making a lot of birdies," Leishman said.

"I changed my course management a little bit this year compared to last year.

"I was a bit too conservative and changed that because there are so many birdies out there."

Japan's Kozuma carded an eagle and seven birdies to be the early pacesetter - he holds a one-shot lead from Mexico's Carlos Ortiz and New Zealander Danny Lee.

And Lee concurred with Leishman's sentiment of a weekend birdie-fest.

"Obviously any kind of golf course, if you start the tournament with an eight-under round, it's very good," he said.

"There's a lot of birdie holes out there, all these players are going to make a lot of birdies."

Former world No.1 Jon Rahm is well positioned after a five-under 67, while last year's Adelaide winner Talor Gooch is four under, a shot ahead of fellow American Phil Mickelson.

Australia's Lucas Herbert (one over) was among nine golfers in the 54-strong field who failed to break par.

Australian Associated Press