Get to know Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team, which this year is made up of players from four different countries.
When two-time major winner Jon Rahm announced in December 2023 that he was leaving the PGA Tour as the reigning Masters champion, the golf world was left reeling at the news. Would the Spaniard’s decision to jump ship to LIV Golf reshape the ecosystem of professional golf? What would his newly created franchise, Legion XIII, contribute to the teams element on LIV? Expectations were high, considering his roster included close friend and fellow European Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton, who also left the PGA Tour for LIV. The team was rounded out with University of Tennessee prodigy Caleb Surratt, who turned pro to join LIV, and Zimbabwean tour pro Kieran Vincent.
One season in, and with Vincent replaced by Northern Ireland’s rising star, Tom McKibbin from the DP World Tour, the answers are clear: Rahm and his squad want to do better than a respectable fourth place in the teams standings last year.
Get to know the team that will pose a huge threat to defending teams champions, our own Ripper GC.
The Captain: Jon Rahm
Leading Legion XIII is Rahm himself, a former US Open and Masters champion whose fiery demeanour and unwavering focus have made him one of golf’s most compelling players. His inaugural season on LIV Golf brought criticism given how, outside LIV, he contended only at the Open Championship. But within the league, he won the LIV Golf UK and Chicago tournaments, as well as the season-long individual championship. With top-10 finishes in every event he completed, Rahm’s form was pivotal in propelling Legion XIII to a league-best four team victories.
Rahm on LIV in 2024: T-3, 8th, 5th, T-8, T-4, T-3, T-10, –, T-3, T-10, 1st, 2nd, 1st (1st overall)
The Firebrand: Tyrrell Hatton
Englishman Tyrrell Hatton joined Legion XIII with a reputation for passionate play, dry British humour and colourful on-course outbursts. Yet his talent truly defines him. Hatton’s aggressive approach and impeccable ball-striking were on full display when he captured the individual title at LIV Golf Nashville, dominating the field with a six-shot victory. He finished the season fourth in the individual championship standings.
Hatton on LIV in 2024: T-8, T-12, T-15, T-21, T-4, T-14, T-5, T-18, 1st, 3rd, T-2, T-25, 4th (4th overall)
The New Kid: Tom McKibbin
Changes were made in the offseason as Legion XIII prepared for the 2025 campaign. LIV Golf and Legion XIII had signed Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin, a rising star on the DP World Tour who grew up honing his skills at the same Belfast golf course (Holywood Golf Club) as Rory McIlroy. McKibbin, 22, has been dubbed a “future top 10 player in the world” by McIlroy, who has mentored the youngster since he was 10 years old. McKibbin won the 2023 Porsche European Open and was one of the top 10 DP World Tour season-long points earners who secured cards on the PGA Tour in the US for 2025 via its alliance with the European circuit.
The Rising Star: Caleb Surratt
Turning 21 this month, Caleb Surratt represents the next generation of golf talent. A first-team All-American and winner of the 2023 SEC individual title, Surratt’s transition to LIV Golf was marked by rapid growth and impressive play. Joining Legion XIII allowed the young American to learn from experienced teammates while contributing his own unique strengths. Surratt’s season was highlighted by several solid performances, including his role in the team’s debut victory at Mayakoba. LIV Golf’s youngest player posted back-to-back top-15 finishes in his first two starts after turning pro.
Surratt on LIV in 2024: T-13, T-12, T-48, T-38, T-18, T-22, T-40, T-32, T-25, T-49, T-41, T-15, 54th (41st overall)
Overall, Legion XIII secured four teams victories, the most in the league, starting with their maiden win at Mayakoba. In its debut season, the franchise shone. Adding McKibbin can only make them a more potent chance at winning the 2025 teams title.
