LIV Golf Highlights: Key Moments from October 6 to October 12
Emegypt Golf Update: Spanish Open Kicks Off with Top Contenders
Joséle Ballester Returns with Renewed Momentum
The former U.S. Amateur champion Joséle Ballester is set to make a significant return to the golf circuit at the Spanish Open. After a commendable performance finishing T2 at the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship and a notable presence in Chicago, the 22-year-old is prepared to showcase his skills at his home Open. His previous attempt at the Spanish Open last year saw him miss the cut, but he enters this year better equipped and ready for the challenge.
Sergio Garcia Seeks to Reclaim Spanish Open Glory
Spanish golf legend Sergio Garcia is making his return to the Spanish Open for the first time since 2019. The last time he played at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, he impressively finished 7th. With a remarkable victory in 2002 at El Cortijo Country Club, Garcia aims to recapture his past successes. His best recent finish in the Spanish Open came in 2016, securing 3rd place at Real Club Valderrama.
Tom McKibbin on a Hot Streak
Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin is in outstanding form and ready to compete. Following his active participation in the 2025 LIV Golf season, McKibbin has achieved top-20 finishes in his last three DP World Tour starts, including a strong showing at the Alfred Dunhill Links. Despite a challenging quadruple bogey at Carnoustie, the 22-year-old remains a formidable contender in the Spanish Open.
Joaquin Niemann and David Puig: Rising Stars
Joaquin Niemann, captain of Torque GC, comes close to winning the LIV Golf Individual Championship and will make his Spanish Open debut this year. After finishing 20th in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Niemann is among the favorites to win in Madrid.
David Puig, a rising star from Fireballs GC, had an exhilarating run at the Alfred Dunhill Links. With a lead-tied 12-under par before harsh winds impacted the tournament, Puig anticipates a strong return to the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, where he will compete against seasoned golfers like Jon Rahm and Angel Hidalgo after his T3 finish last year.
Jon Rahm Pursues Fourth Spanish Open Title
Captaining the Legion XIII, Jon Rahm dominates the Spanish Open, winning three titles since 2016. Rahm’s 2022 victory at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid came with a commanding six-shot lead. Embodying the prowess of his idol Seve Ballesteros, Rahm is determined to secure a fourth victory.
Patrick Reed Remains a Competitive Force
As Patrick Reed embarks on his fourth start post-2025 LIV Golf season, the 4Aces GC star looks to build on his T10 finish in last year’s Spanish Open. Renowned for his masterful performance on the greens, Reed will aim to further hone his competitive edge at this prestigious event.
Additional Player Insights
- Tyrrell Hatton shone at the Alfred Dunhill Links with a 2nd place finish, advancing to 2nd in the Race to Dubai rankings.
- Stinger GC Captain Louis Oosthuizen finished strong at the Dunhill Links, securing T11 after starting the final round in 3rd place.
- Smash GC Captain Brooks Koepka hit top form with a T15 finish, marking his second consecutive top-15 in the DP World Tour.
- Chieh-Po Lee made an impressive leap up the leaderboard at the International Series Jakarta, concluding T11 with a stellar final round.
- 4Aces GC Captain Dustin Johnson aspires to join the United States Ryder Cup team at Adare Manor in 2027, expressing renewed confidence in his game.
- While speaking with Today’s Golfer, Brooks Koepka shared insights on his reliable Nike 3-iron and an older TaylorMade 3-Wood.
