Though he’ll be up previous his bedtime, Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm is thrilled about taking part in this week’s LIV Golf season opener in Saudi Arabia after darkish.
“From the second I came upon we have been going to play below the lights, I’ve been actually excited,” the 30-year-old Spaniard informed reporters Wednesday at Riyadh Golf Membership, the place the match begins Thursday.
“It’s all about what LIV Golf is all about. It’s innovating and creating a brand new product for the patron. … System 1 determined to go at night time. TV seems very, very cool and I hope golf comes out that means, as properly.”
Rahm, who mentioned he’s normally asleep by 9:30 p.m. at house, mentioned he has been making an attempt to remain up till 1 a.m. to get used to having a night tee time.
“It’s positively been fascinating, particularly while you journey distant, to have to remain up this late,” he mentioned. “However it’s a part of the enchantment to a particular week like this one.”
Rahm, like a lot of the rivals, has little expertise taking part in below the lights.
“Clearly we’re all going to have our shortcomings as a result of we’re not used to it. We’ve by no means executed it,” he mentioned. “Again house there’s a par-3 course that’s lit at night time you can go and play, however there’s a distinction between making an attempt to hit a pitching wedge and a driver. It’s an entire completely different really feel.”
After successful 4 occasions of their debut season in 2024, Legion XIII has a distinct lineup this season. Newcomer Tom McKibbin of Northern Eire joins England’s Tyrrell Hatton, Rahm and Caleb Surratt.
LIV Golf additionally has a distinct format, asserting Wednesday that every one 4 gamers’ scores will contribute to the crew tally for all three rounds. Beforehand, one of the best three scores have been taken from the primary two rounds, with all 4 scores counting just for the ultimate 18 holes.
“I prefer it. I prefer it. I feel it advantages a crew like ours,” Rahm mentioned. “I feel we’ve got 4 actually robust gamers which can be actually constant.
“So I feel it’s higher for the league typically for everyone to matter each single day as a result of Sunday is normally actually, actually enjoyable. Not less than final yr it was extremely enjoyable in that regard. However I feel it’s higher for the groups and the gamers’ improvement, as properly, for each spherical to depend. I’m very a lot in favor of it.”