As the landscape of the professional golf world continues to evolve, LIV Golf has announced the introduction of a new team, Legion XIII, with Spanish sensation Jon Rahm at the helm. This marks the first new team since the inception of LIV Golf in 2022, expanding the league to a total of 13 teams.
Rahm, celebrated for his 2023 Masters victory and his triumph at the 2021 U.S. Open, brings not just his championship pedigree but also his record of winning three DP World Tour Championships to the new team. The formation of Legion XIII arrives with high expectations, owing to Rahm's proven track record on the golf course.
Adding to the competitive edge of Legion XIII is Tyrrell Hatton, the acclaimed six-time European tour winner whose experience includes participation in three Ryder Cups. Hatton's achievements, which further include a prestigious win at the BMW PGA Championship, bolster the team with a certain depth of international competition experience.
Fresh talent also features prominently on the roster, with amateur standout Caleb Surratt from the University of Tennessee joining the ranks. Embarking on his professional journey with Legion XIII, Surratt has been a record-setting presence during his amateur play and brings a youthful vigor to the team.
LIV Golf promises to kick off the season in style with LIV Golf Mayakoba, the first tournament set in Mexico. Legion XIII is poised to make its debut with a rallying motto that underscores its core values: "Together we play. Together we conquer." This sentiment highlights the team's collective focus on pride, determination, and loyalty.
The team's inception is seen as a testament to LIV Golf's commitment to growth, enhancing the competitive nature of the league with fresh talent and seasoned players alike.
The Rise of Tyrrell Hatton
Expanding on the credentials of Tyrrell Hatton, his storied career has been on a steady ascent since 2014, resulting in six DP World Tour victories. His consistent performances have kept him in the upper echelons of the global golf rankings, confirming his status as one of the fiercest competitors on the tour.
Caleb Surratt's Amateur Excellence
Caleb Surratt's transition from amateur to professional golfer through Legion XIII is one of the most intriguing storylines of the team. At Tennessee, Surratt set records and drew the attention of the golf world, positioning him as a rookie to watch in the upcoming LIV Golf events.
Kieran Vincent Joins the Fray
Another player to watch is Kieran Vincent, who, like Surratt, is turning professional with Legion XIII. Vincent, having played collegiately at Liberty University, has since been navigating his way through the ranks, earning his spot on the team via LIV Golf Promotions shortly after turning pro in 2022.
Embodiment of Team Spirit
Legion XIII prides itself on a diverse compilation of backgrounds and experiences amongst its members, and this eclectic mix is anticipated to create a dynamic and formidable presence within the league. With LIV Golf Mayakoba heralding the start of the golfing calendar, the team is committed to demonstrating its strong ethos through competitive play and an unwavering team spirit.
The 2024 season, beginning in the scenic locale of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, serves as the springboard for Legion XIII's aspirations to make an indelible mark on LIV Golf. Hatton expressed his enthusiasm for this next stage, noting, "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."
Greg Norman, a significant figure in golf, also weighed in on the formation of the new team, highlighting the expected impact Rahm will have, "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."
With such strong endorsements and a balance of talent and tenacity, Legion XIII enters the fray as not just a new team on the tour but as a beacon of LIV Golf's ongoing evolution and its future trajectory.