In a significant development for the up-and-coming LIV Golf Series, Jon Rahm, winner of both the 2021 U.S. Open and the 2023 Masters, has been announced as the leader of the newly-formed team Legion XIII. With the addition of Legion XIII, the LIV Golf Series expands its roster to 13 teams, signifying growth and the potential for heightened competition within the league.
Legion XIII is notable not just for its high-profile captain in Rahm, but also for the inclusion of Tyrrell Hatton, a celebrated six-time winner on the European Tour, renowned not just for his victories but also for his spirited participation in three Ryder Cups. The new team solidifies its competitive edge with Hatton's experience and skill set.
Adding a dash of youthful promise to the team is amateur sensation Caleb Surratt, who has decided to turn professional with his entry into Legion XIII. With an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, Surratt is poised to bring a fresh and ambitious energy to the team and the league.
Jon Rahm not only brings accolades to the team, but also the kind of leadership that comes with triumphing in one of golf’s most prestigious events, the Masters. His track record of three DP World Tour Championships further cements his place as a formidable force on the golf course.
Deepening the Bench
Tyrrell Hatton's engagement with Legion XIII enriches the squad with a player whose performance has consistently placed him among the top ranks in the international golf standings. Hatton's notable achievement includes winning the prestigious BMW PGA Championship, one of the European Tour's flagship events, bolstering his reputation as a top-tier golfer.
The Newcomer’s Ambition
The recruitment of Caleb Surratt showcases Legion XIII’s commitment to fostering new talent. Surratt's decision to make the transition from amateur golf to the professional ranks through LIV Golf spotlights the league as a destination for emerging talent seeking to make their mark.
From University Greens to Pro Circuits
Kieran Vincent, another budding talent who made his professional debut in 2022, has secured his position on Legion XIII via LIV Golf Promotions. His experiences on the collegiate turf at Liberty University have set the stage for Vincent to apply his academic discipline to the professional game.
Unity and Values
The ethos of Legion XIII resounds in their motto, "Together we play. Together we conquer." It speaks to their collective spirit of pride, determination, and loyalty. These values are pivotal to their approach both on and off the green. This unity and shared vision are key components the team will use to challenge their competitors in LIV Golf's existing and robust lineup of teams.
As the team gears up for their debut at the LIV Golf Mayakoba event, they aim not only to compete but also to establish their standing in this new era of golf. The competition, situated in the picturesque locale of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, sets the scene for the beginning of the 2024 season and for Legion XIII's legacy within the league.
The inclusion of such a diverse array of backgrounds and experiences within Legion XIII highlights the ever-evolving nature of modern golf and LIV Golf's ambition to reflect a more dynamic and varied representation of talent within the sport.
Tyrrell Hatton echoed sentiments of eager anticipation when he stated, "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." This enthusiasm is shared by golf legend and CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, who noted, "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."
Indeed, the formation of Legion XIII, spearheaded by a golfer of Rahm's stature and the inclusion of talent such as Hatton, Surratt, and Vincent, is set to offer a compelling storyline for the LIV Golf Series. As the league moves forward, the presence of Legion XIII is a testament to LIV Golf's dedication to reshaping golf’s competitive landscape, promising a season replete with high stakes and historic moments.