Jon Rahm and his LIV Golf allies are gearing up for what could be a challenging lead-up to the 2025 Open Championship, following the breakaway tour’s latest schedule announcement.
LIV has unveiled its next six events for the upcoming season, featuring exciting venues in South Korea, Dallas, Spain, England, Chicago, and Indianapolis. The tour has already confirmed its initial four events, taking place in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore in February and March.
One of the highlights will be LIV Golf Andalucia, set to take place at the renowned Valderrama course in southern Spain from July 11-13, just a week before The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. While last season’s schedule raised some eyebrows due to a lack of preparation for link conditions, players are now fully aware of the demands they face.
Although Valderrama is an exceptional course with a rich history, it presents a very different challenge compared to the traditional links courses of the UK. The coastal elements significantly affect play, often favoring a lower ball flight, which is a crucial aspect of success in these conditions.
The limited preparation in comparable settings was evident in last year’s performances, where LIV players struggled, leaving the leaderboard dominated by PGA Tour and DP World Tour competitors. Jon Rahm managed a commendable top-15 finish, but he ended eight shots behind the winner, Xander Schauffele. This season, LIV players are determined to come better prepared for the unique challenges of the Open Championship.