From major champions to local heroes, these are the names with box-office appeal at LIV Golf Adelaide this month.
LIV Golf returns to Adelaide this month for the fourth instalment of its flagship event and it will once again be one of the hottest tickets on the golf calendar. While the off-course festivities would be enough to warrant a trip, the golf action remains the biggest drawcard from February 12-15.
This year’s field will again be stacked with a mixture of legends of the game, current top players and some up-and-comers ready to have breakout seasons.
I have compiled my top seven players you must watch and why. If nothing else, use this list as a guide to the players you should circle and follow on the course during the event’s new-look, four-day,
72-hole format for 2026.
Bryson Dechambeau
Obviously, our cover star tops the list. The fan favourite is the needle when it comes to LIV Golf. DeChambeau has millions of followers on both Instagram and YouTube. He will be sure to wow the young Aussie crowd with his power and engagement during the event. He is due for a big win on the circuit too, so why not LIV Golf Adelaide’s last bash around the Grange Golf Club?
Cam Smith
Aussie crowds will be piling in to get a glimpse of the main local hope and 2022 Open champion. Despite a disappointing 2025 season that almost finished with Australian Open glory, Smith will be extra-determined to silence the critics and go one better on home soil this time around. If he gets the putter rolling, he really is mesmerising to watch.
Phil Mickelson
The six-time time major champion should always be a drawcard when he is playing golf in Australia. For sure he is past his prime, but anytime you get a chance to see a legend, you should take the opportunity to watch a few holes. You will be sure to see the famous short game of “Phil The Thrill” – some things just never change. Besides, who knows how many more times he will make the journey Down Under?
Joaquin Niemann
The Torque GC captain and defending champion was the hottest player on LIV in 2025 after riding the momentum from his individual victory in Adelaide. He tore up the Grange layout, shooting 13-under for three rounds. Many feel 2026 will be a career-defining year for the Chilean as he is entering his prime and is yet to make the leap to elite major contender. Don’t be surprised to see Niemann put on another spectacular performance.
Jon Rahm
Officially the best golfer in the world not that long ago, Rahm has been flying slightly under the radar in the past few years. Every golf tragic should appreciate how “Rahmbo” plays the game. Make no mistake, he will be looking for a win in Adelaide and has the game to overpower The Grange. Long and accurate with an amazing short game, the fiery Spaniard should be near the top of your list of players to watch.
David Puig
Puig is starting to become a familiar face on Aussie soil. His fourth-placed finish last year helped the Fireballs claim the teams title and he came back earlier this summer to claim the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland. He is part of the young stars looking to make the leap to stardom. Long off the tee and a great putter, he will no doubt have another strong showing in Adelaide.
Tyrrell Hatton
Hot take(!): I think Tyrrell is going to go up another level in 2026. The English hothead is somehow still underrated despite putting together an amazing career to date, and another inspiring showing at last year’s Ryder Cup. He is my tip to win in Adelaide and if you get a chance to watch him in the flesh, you will not be disappointed by the level of golf he can produce.
Photograph by GLYN KIRK/getty images
