Rahm Tests Form in South Africa Ahead of Masters Push
JOHANNESBURG – Jon Rahm arrives in South Africa this week for the LIV Golf tournament at The Club at Steyn City, seeking to refine his game in what represents a crucial final test before the Masters Tournament in April. Coming off a fifth-place finish in Singapore – his lowest result of the year – the Spaniard will tee off on Thursday, with play beginning at 9:00 local time (UTC+2), and continuing throughout the weekend. This marks the first time LIV Golf has held an event in Africa, expanding the league’s footprint to five continents.
The tournament at Steyn City, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, is expected to draw nearly 100,000 spectators over the four days, rivaling the attendance at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia. The South African event also introduces a local team to the competition: the Southern Guards, comprised of Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Dean Burmester, and Charl Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion.
Seeking Consistency Before Augusta
Rahm’s performance in Singapore, while still a top-5 finish, ended a remarkable streak of eight consecutive top-10 finishes in LIV Golf events. He currently boasts 28 top-10 finishes in 29 LIV Golf starts, a testament to his consistent excellence. However, the fifth-place result may have relieved some pressure following a period where he was seeking his next title. Now, he aims for four strong rounds in South Africa as a final tune-up before heading to Augusta National, where the Masters will be held from April 9-12.
The conditions at The Club at Steyn City present a unique challenge. The course features kikuyu grass, a thick turf native to Africa that can make it difficult to get clean contact. Rahm anticipates that power off the tee will be a significant advantage, noting that the grass doesn’t allow for much roll, providing a margin for error for long hitters. He also observed that the greens are soft, potentially making it harder to achieve firm putting surfaces. “Power and birdies is what you need,” Rahm said, adding that players with distance have a clear edge in these conditions.
Leading the LIV Standings
Rahm currently leads the LIV Golf League standings with 466 points, nearly 200 points ahead of Bryson DeChambeau (276.9). DeChambeau, who won the Singapore event, is steadily closing the gap. Elvis Smylie sits in third place with 238.57 points after his debut win in Saudi Arabia. Among other Spanish players, David Puig is 16th with 75.24 points, followed by Josele Ballester (24th, 55.72 points), Sergio Garcia (30th, 42.91 points), and Luis Masaveu (53rd, 16.52 points).
Rahm also leads the league in birdies (91) and greens in regulation (82%), highlighting his all-around strong play. His driving distance of 309.1 yards is fourth in the league, demonstrating his ability to overpower courses when needed.
Legion XIII’s Pursuit of a Title
Rahm’s team, Legion XIII, is also looking to improve its position in the team standings. They are currently third in the league with 39.75 points, trailing 4Aces (78 points) and Ripper GC (80.75 points). Legion XIII has consistently performed well, with a fourth-place finish, two third-place finishes, and a second-place finish so far this season. They will be looking to secure their first victory of the year in South Africa.
The Club at Steyn City is a par-71 course measuring 7,557 yards. The tournament promises a spectacle for golf fans in South Africa, a nation with a strong golfing tradition and a growing enthusiasm for the LIV Golf League.
What’s Next for Rahm
Following the LIV Golf South Africa event, Jon Rahm will turn his full attention to preparing for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. The Masters is the first major championship of the year and a tournament Rahm has consistently contended in throughout his career. His performance in South Africa will provide valuable insight into his form and readiness for the challenges of Augusta.
Fans can follow Rahm’s progress at the Masters and throughout the LIV Golf season on the league’s official website: https://www.livgolf.com/.
