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It’s a move that LIV bosses insist will “increase the drama and volatility” throughout their tournaments in 2025.
And their biggest signing Jon Rahm is certainly on board.
For the first time in LIV’s fledgling history, four scores will count in each round for every team across. In 2024, all four scores were only counted in the final round, with just the three top scores per team generously counting foe each of the first two rounds.
The move continues to LIV’s scoring evolution since its inception in 2022. Back at the inaugural first event at Centurion three years ago, only two scores counted in rounds one and two and three counted in the final round.
Essentially, it will mean that there’s no hiding place when it comes to the team concept anymore. High scores will prove costly and strength in depth is critical.
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That suits Rahm, who has completed his strong Legion XII quartet with the addition of Rory McIlroy mentee Tom McKibbin.
“I like it,” Rahm said ahead the season-opener under the lights in Riyadh starting on Thursday.
“It benefits a team like ours. I think we have four really strong players that are really consistent. So I think it’s better for the league in general for everybody to matter every single day because Sunday is usually really, really fun. At least last year it was incredibly fun in that regard.
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“But I think it’s better for the teams and the players’ development, as well, for every round to count. I’m very much in favour of it.”
Tyrrell Hatton, Rahm’s Legion XII teammate, concurred.
” Yeah, I think we saw last year even on Sunday how quickly the leaderboards can change,” the Englishman added. “Having that from round one certainly brings a little bit more interest there earlier in the week.
“Like Jon said, I think we’re a pretty consistent team, and hopefully this move kind of benefits us over the course of the year.”
Rahm, meanwhile, welcomed the arrival of McKibbin ahead of his debut in the Saudi capital.
“It’s been amazing to get Tom as an addition,” the two-time major champion said.
“To get such a young player with his experience, already established and a winner as a professional multiple times is hard to come by. I’m thrilled that he decided to join the team.
“He’s very talented and I think the sky’s the limit.”
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