31 January 2024 , 07:00
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Jon Rahm will make his debut on the LIV Golf setup this Friday, as the breakaway league kicks off its 2024 season at Mayakoba.
Rahm became arguably LIV's biggest coup yet in December, as the Masters champion signed a deal worth a reported £450million to join Greg Norman and co. The waiting for the Spaniard's maiden outing on the rebel circuit is almost over, as he kicks off his next venture in Friday's opening round in Mexico.
The two-time major champion will begin his LIV career as a captain too, after being handed the chance to run his own franchise as part of his mega-money deal.
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Rahm's team will be called Legion XIII and he will be partnered by team-mates Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent. Hatton is the latest big name to make the Saudi switch after agreeing a deal worth around £50million. Hatton and Rahm put on quite the show alongside each other, winning two matches out of two at last year's Ryder Cup in Rome.
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Rahm said after his team was announced on Tuesday: "We’ve come a long way in a short period of time and are extremely proud of the team and brand we are building. As we were developing the team’s brand it became clear that I wanted to fight alongside a group of guys who aligned perfectly with what the team stands for.
Jon Rahm is set to team up with Tyrrell Hatton"Tyrrell is a fierce competitor, proven champion, and of course my Ryder Cup teammate. Caleb is one of the brightest next-gen stars of the game. And Kieran is a steady, talented ball striker who earned his promotion to LIV and is elevating his game every day.”
Hatton added: "I’m really excited for this next chapter, to link up with Jon Rahm and Legion XIII, and to get started this week in Mexico."
LIV's CEO Greg Norman has also commented on the launch of Rahm's new team. He said: “The introduction of Legion XIII is a testament to LIV Golf’s continued growth as our league builds for the long-term. Jon Rahm is one of the top competitors in the world and his team will make an immediate impact on the league both on and off the golf course.
"I’m thrilled to welcome his new teammates, Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton and young gun Caleb Surratt, along with LIV Golf Promotions standout Kieran Vincent, who will undoubtedly be great additions to the league. This is another exciting moment in the natural evolution of LIV Golf and the future for the sport."