Dallas preview: Iron Heads relishing the opportunity to shock Smash GC

CARROLLTON, Texas – Kevin Na is hoping that his putting would help counter the power game of Brooks Koepka and produce what could be the biggest shock of the opening round of LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas.

On Thursday, Koepka, Captain of the fourth seeds Smash GC, had the first pick for the quarter-final matches and went for Iron Heads, placed at the bottom of the Team Standings at the end of the regular season.

And even though Na’s team did not pick up any point during the season, the 40-year-old Las Vegas native felt the vagaries of match play golf can play into their hands.

Na nominated himself and Danny Lee for the singles, while Jinichiro Kozuma and Scott Vincent will feature in the foursomes against Jason Konrad and Graeme McDowell. Lee, winner of last year’s LIV Golf Tucson, will be up against Taylor Gooch, the Individual Champion of 2023 season.

Smash, led by two-time champion in 2024, will be a formidable opponent for Iron Heads, but Na believes they have a chance.

“It all comes down to match play. Danny Lee and my coach also works with Jason Kokrak, so we’ve been bribing him, trying to get him to give some flawed swing tips, so hopefully that works,” joked Na.

“Playing against Brooks, this is what I was expecting. I thought about throwing a curveball in there (with the team line-up), but I talked to the guys, and everybody actually wanted to play singles, which is a good sign. I think everybody wants to show what they can do and what they're capable of.

“I know Brooks is obviously a tough opponent, going against a five-time major champion. But in match play, I've taken down some people and I can make a few putts. Hopefully that happens.”

And Na felt the same applied to Lee, who has former Arizona State University player and coach Ki Taek Lee on his bag and has made significant improvement on the greens.

“I feel like Danny's game has really turned around. With his new sidekick on the bag, I think he's been reading some putts well and making some putts, and I think he'll be a good opponent for Gooch,” said Na.

“Vino (Vincent), and Jini (Kozuma) are going to be great alternate shots. I think they'll do a great job. Vino has got a new haircut, shaved his head, so I think he’s ready.”

Vincent came agonisingly close to getting into the Open Zone in Chicago, but a late bogey (on his 16th hole), denied him a chance. That disappointment, Na felt, would be a good motivation for the Zimbabwean this week.

“I feel like relegated players maybe want to contribute more this week because maybe they haven't contributed as well during the season,” said Na. “I think it's their last chance to show the world what they've got and maybe a little bit of redemption.”

FRIDAY’S MATCHES

Singles: Kevin Na vs Brooks Koepka
Singles: Danny Lee vs Talor Gooch
Foursomes: Jinichiro Kozuma/Scott Vincent vs Jason Kokrak/Graeme McDowell