After nine events of the season, the LIV Golf League finally heads to Europe. LIV Golf Andalucia is one of only two stops on the continent, yet it is one of the most eagerly anticipated.
Its safe to say that several of the venues used across the league have come in for criticism over the years. Valderrama doesn’t sit under that banner, however.
The Spanish course is arguably one of the most difficult in Europe and last year, it ranked as the hardest with regards to cumulative team score (-5) across all venues.
Having hosted the Ryder Cup (1997), WGC American Express Championship (1999) and European Tour events such as Volvo Masters, the Andalucía Masters, and the Spanish Open, Valderrama is certainly revered.
This year, the course will host a LIV Golf event for the third time and there are several talking points ahead of the tenth tournament of the season.
19 LIV Golfers can finetune their game ahead of the Open Championship
The Genesis Scottish Open takes place this week in North Berwick. The tournament provides an ideal chance for those competing at Royal Portrush to sharpen their games.
In comparison, the LIV contingent will spend the week in Spain, using Valderrama as a chance to get themselves ready for the final major of the year.
Overall, there will be 19 golfers from the breakaway league in the field at the Open this year. The likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka are in due to holding major exemptions.
Others had to do it the hard way. Lee Westwood returns to the Open after three years courtesy of final qualifying. As to David Puig and Lucas Herbert.
Sergio Garcia will look to defend his title
Last year, Garcia finally claimed his maiden individual title at LIV Golf Andalucia. He prevailed in a playoff against Anirban Lahiri at Valderrama in what was an emotional victory.
The Spaniard has been in excellent form throughout the 2025 season. Across his first nine events, the 2017 Masters champion has one victory (Hong Kong) and another two top-ten finishes.
This means he sits fifth in the individual standings, which was enough to see him secure a place at Royal Portrush.
Winning at Valderrama for the second year in a row would set him up nicely for his 26th Open appearance.
Joaquin Niemann could extend his lead in the Individual standings
Joaquin Niemann has been the standout player throughout the 2025 LIV Golf League, and for that there is no doubt.
The Chilean has remarkably won four of the opening nine events this year, and he is yet to finish lower than T33.
Ahead of LIV Golf Andalucía, Niemann sits atop the individual standings with 166.52 points, 35 points clear of DeChambeau in second.
Victory number five in Spain could well see him motor towards the individual crown.
Crushers GC have the chance to make history in Spain
The DeChambeau-led Crushers GC have won the previous three team events in Dallas, Virginia and South Korea.
This incredible run has them top of the standings by six points heading into event number ten, but could they make history at Valderrama?
No team has ever won four events in succession since LIV Golf began in 2022. Garcia’s Fireballs GC came close, winning three in a row earlier this year, but they finished fifth in Miami.
Don’t be surprised if the American leads his side to yet another victory this week.
