Two Spanish golf stars are gearing up for this week’s LIV Golf Andalucía at the famous Valderrama course in San Roque, Spain. Jon Rahm, the captain of Legion XIII, is in search of his first victory of the year, while Sergio Garcia, leader of Fireballs GC, has already claimed a win in 2025 but has struggled to maintain his earlier form.
Challenges and Opportunities at Valderrama
Both players will face a tough challenge at Valderrama, often regarded as the most iconic and difficult course in Spain. Rahm has acknowledged the course’s challenges, ranking it among his top five championship venues. Garcia, on the other hand, has consistently performed well at Valderrama. He secured the individual title at LIV Golf Andalucía last year in a thrilling playoff, marking his fourth victory at the course across all tours. Out of his 17 appearances at Valderrama, he has finished in the top ten an impressive 16 times.
This tournament comes at a crucial moment for Garcia, who started the season strong with a victory in Hong Kong and multiple top finishes. However, he has struggled in recent months, failing to place in the top 24 in his last four LIV Golf events and experiencing difficulties in two major tournaments.
Despite his recent slump, Garcia has managed to hold onto a top-five position in the points standings, which has granted him exemption for the upcoming Open Championship. He is also keen to prove his worth for the Ryder Cup in September, although he has been candid about his recent performance.
Rahm, unlike Garcia, has been consistently strong throughout the season with a remarkable streak of 20 consecutive top-10 finishes until a recent T11 at LIV Golf Dallas. He has also performed well in majors, finishing in the top 10 in the last two.
Despite his consistency, Rahm is still seeking his first individual victory since last September. He expressed hope for a resurgence in his game, feeling that he is on the brink of a breakthrough performance.
While Rahm has had mixed results at Valderrama, with his best finish being a T2 at the 2019 Andalucía Masters, he is motivated by the possibility of achieving his first win of the year at his home course. Last year, he watched Garcia triumph in a playoff, a moment he found inspiring.
As Rahm prepares for the tournament, his family is on their way to support him, adding to the significance of a potential victory. The upcoming competition promises to be an exciting showdown between these two Spanish legends, showcasing their talent and determination on the prestigious Valderrama course.