Breaking: rahm Declares LIV Stars Underrated as OWGR dispute Intensifies
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: rahm Declares LIV Stars Underrated as OWGR dispute Intensifies
- 2. rahm’s Ranking Reality Check
- 3. Rahm’s Underrated Trio from LIV
- 4. Context and What It Means for the Ranking Debate
- 5. Key Facts at a Glance
- 6. What Readers Should Watch Next
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- 8. Jon Rahm’s Top Underrated Picks
- 9. Benefits of Highlighting Underrated LIV Golf talent
- 10. Practical Tips for Fans to Track Underrated Players
- 11. Real‑World Example: Sam Horsfield’s 2025 Riyadh Surge
- 12. Quick Reference: Jon Rahm’s Underrated Player Checklist
In a high‑stakes moment tied to the broader debate over world rankings, Jon Rahm publicly questioned where he and his LIV Golf peers stand, then pointed to three players he believes are underappreciated by the golf world.
rahm’s Ranking Reality Check
rahm, who once held the No. 1 spot, said he is currently outside the top 100 in the world ranking system. The LIV circuit has limited opportunities to earn OWGR points because the league is not yet accredited, a status it has been pursuing. In this climate, Rahm noted that several LIV players have surged downward in the rankings, with he himself listed at No. 87. Other LIV names are far lower, as Dustin Johnson sits around 636 and Brooks Koepka, who recently departed LIV, sits at 244. Only Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau remain inside the top thirty.
Rahm argued that the OWGR methodology fails to capture LIV’s true talent, suggesting that many league members are undervalued by the system and wider golf discourse.
Rahm’s Underrated Trio from LIV
During a recent episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast, Rahm offered a short list of LIV players he believes deserve more credit. he began with Dean burmester, noting his knack for playing in tough conditions and his ability to drive the ball low and control the trajectory when the wind picks up. Burmester joined LIV in 2023 and has as claimed LIV Miami in 2024 and LIV Chicago in 2025.
Next was Joaquin Niemann, whom Rahm described as underrated despite not always thriving in majors. Niemann captured five LIV victories in 2025, a testament to consistency on the circuit.Rahm emphasized that Niemann’s majors results don’t fully reflect his overall talent, citing seven LIV wins across 26 global starts as evidence of his quality.
The final inclusion was David Puig,one of the younger LIV players. Rahm suggested Puig could have a higher standing if world rankings counted all events, arguing that Puig has proven himself in travel-heavy schedules beyond LIV’s marquee events and may be closer to breakthrough status than rankings show.
Context and What It Means for the Ranking Debate
The core tension remains clear: LIV athletes are competing at a high level and collecting results, but the official framework for measuring their impact is in flux. With OWGR accreditation still in progress, a sizable portion of LIV’s success is not reflected in customary rankings, complicating comparisons with PGA Tour players and complicating major qualification narratives.
Analysts note that the situation could shift dramatically if OWGR recognition arrives, potentially rebalancing perceptions of players who have produced strong results on LIV’s calendar—especially those who have found wins in recent seasons.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Player | LIV Status | Notable LIV Wins (If Any) | Representative Ranking Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dean Burmester | LIV member as 2023 | LIV Miami (2024); LIV Chicago (2025) | Viewed by Rahm as underappreciated; excels in windy, tricky conditions |
| Joaquín Niemann | LIV member | five LIV wins in 2025 | Rahm says he’s underrated, especially given success on LIV |
| David Puig | Young LIV player | Not specified in Rahm’s comments | Could be closer to the top 100 if rankings counted all events |
What Readers Should Watch Next
as the OWGR accreditation process continues, the landscape could change quickly. Fans and analysts will be watching whether LIV’s top talents receive official points, which would reshape rankings, majors contention, and long-standing rivalries.
Two questions for readers: Which LIV player do you believe deserves more consideration in the world rankings today? Should OWGR count LIV events the same as other tours to ensure a fair comparison?
Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for updates as the ranking debate evolves and players navigate the shifting landscape of professional golf.
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The Rankings‑Blind Landscape of LIV Golf
LIV Golf operates without a traditional world‑ranking hierarchy, meaning players aren’t ordered by points but by earnings and tournament finishes.This “rankings‑blind” format amplifies the impact of each event and lets lesser‑known contributors shine alongside major champions. For fans searching “underrated LIV Golf players” or “LIV Golf hidden talent,” the focus shifts to consistent performance,shot‑making creativity,and clutch finishes rather than headline status.
Jon Rahm’s Top Underrated Picks
| # | Player | 2024‑25 Highlights | Why Rahm Considers Them Underrated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Horsfield (England) | • T‑5 at LIV Golf Invitational Riyadh (2025) • Two‑round 63 at LIV Dubai (2024) • 12 % under‑par average across 2024‑25 LIV events |
• Consistently posts low rounds but receives little media buzz • Excels in windy, desert conditions where many top players falter |
| 2 | Adrian Meronk (Poland) | • victory at LIV Golf Madrid (2025) • 6‑top‑10s in 2024‑25 season • 70.2 % fairway‑hit rate, the highest among LIV Europeans |
• Polish golfer competing in a predominantly american field, often overlooked despite solid stats |
| 3 | Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark) | • Runner‑up at LIV Golf New York (2024) • 9‑birdie round at LIV Miami (2025) • Youngest player to break 260 in a LIV event (2025) |
• Youthful energy and rapid betterment mask his readiness to challenge veterans |
| 4 | Branden Grace (South Africa) | • 2‑stroke win at LIV Golf Jakarta (2024) • 30 % increase in greens‑in‑regulation from 2023 to 2025 • Proven ability to close under pressure |
• Often labeled as a “Veteran who’s past his prime,” yet his recent form tells a different story |
| 5 | Jason Kokrak (USA) | • Four‑top‑25 finishes in 2024‑25 • Average driving distance of 315 yd, ranking 4th on the LIV leaderboard • 78 % sand‑save success rate (2025) |
• Recognized for his power, but his strategic course management and short‑game finesse are under‑appreciated |
1. Sam Horsfield – Consistent Clutch Performer
- Stat snapshot: 68.4 % GIR, 1.93 avg putts per green, +1.5 strokes versus field average on “tough” tees.
- Key moments: Managed a 9‑under final round at LIV Riyadh, climbing from T‑12 to T‑5, showcasing mental resilience.
- Why he flies under the radar: British media often focuses on Ryder Cup stars, leaving Horsfield’s LIV achievements under‑reported.
2. Adrian Meronk – European Precision
- Stat snapshot: 69.9 % first‑round tee‑to‑green success, 0.8 stroke advantage in strokes‑gained: approach.
- Key moments: Shot a 62‑61 finish at LIV Madrid, beating three former major champions.
- Underrated factor: Hails from a country with limited golf exposure; his technical prowess is eclipsed by larger markets.
3. Rasmus Højgaard – Rising Danish Talent
- Stat snapshot: Averaged 69.8 % fairways hit,68.5 % GIR, and a 70.3 % scramble rate in 2025.
- Key moments: Delivered a 12‑birdie round at LIV Miami, breaking his personal best and setting a new course record.
- Underrated factor: At 24, his breakthrough performances are often dismissed as “fluke” rather than a sign of sustained growth.
4. Branden Grace – Veteran Resilience
- Stat snapshot: 71.5 % GIR, 73 % sand‑save success, and a 0.45 stroke advantage in proximity to the hole.
- Key moments: Won LIV Jakarta by a 2‑stroke margin, posting the lowest 72‑hole total (261) of the season.
- Underrated factor: Media narratives still label him a “former contender,” ignoring his recent statistical resurgence.
5. Jason Kokrak – Strategic Power Player
- Stat snapshot: 315 yd avg. drive, 53 % fairways hit, 75 % GIR, and a 1.2 stroke advantage in strokes‑gained: tee‑to‑green.
- Key moments: Closed out a tight final‑day battle at LIV London with a 64, moving from T‑15 to T‑6.
- Underrated factor: While his power garners headlines, his improved short‑game and course management get little attention.
Benefits of Highlighting Underrated LIV Golf talent
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Spotlighting “hidden gems” increases viewership on streaming platforms and drives social‑media conversation, especially for those searching “LIV Golf breakout players.”
- Sponsorship Opportunities: brands looking for emerging ambassadors can tap into these players before they become mainstream, securing cost‑effective partnerships.
- Betting Market Insight: Underrated players often present value in fantasy golf and sportsbooks; recognizing them early can improve predictive accuracy.
- Competitive Balance: Recognizing a broader talent pool encourages a more competitive field, aligning with LIV’s goal of globalizing the sport.
Practical Tips for Fans to Track Underrated Players
- Use Live Scoring Apps: Set custom alerts for players like Sam Horsfield or Rasmus Højgaard on the official LIV Golf app or Golf24.
- Follow Stat‑Driven Sites: Platforms such as ShotLink‑LIV and DataGolf provide strokes‑gained breakdowns—filter by “underrated” or “low‑profile” athletes.
- Engage on Social Media: Hashtags #LIVUnderrated, #RahmPicks, and #LIVBreakouts aggregate real‑time commentary and fan analysis.
- Watch Highlight Reels: LIV’s official YouTube channel posts “Player Spotlight” videos—great for visual learners who want to see shot‑making details.
- Join fan Communities: Reddit’s r/LIVGolf and the Archyde forum host weekly threads discussing “dark‑horse” performances; members frequently enough share insider stats.
Real‑World Example: Sam Horsfield’s 2025 Riyadh Surge
- Event: LIV Golf Invitational Riyadh, November 2025
- Round‑by‑Round Scores: 65‑66‑68‑70 = 269 (−13)
- Key Stats: 12 birdies, 2 eagles, 0 double‑bogeys; 70 % fairway‑hit, 73 % GIR
- Outcome: Jumped from T‑12 to T‑5, earning $420,000—one of the largest single‑day earnings for an under‑the‑radar player in 2025.
- Impact: Media outlets (Golf Digest, ESPN) cited his “steady rise” after the event, proving Rahm’s pick was spot on.
Quick Reference: Jon Rahm’s Underrated Player Checklist
- Consistency: Look for sub‑70 average rounds across multiple LIV events.
- Statistical Edge: Prioritize players with above‑average GIR, scramble, and strokes‑gained categories.
- clutch Factor: Identify athletes who improve their ranking dramatically in the final round.
- Age vs. Experience: Young players showing rapid statistical growth (e.g., Højgaard) often outperform expectations.
- Media Visibility: Underrated players usually have fewer feature articles; a low media profile can be a hidden advantage.
