Two-time major winner Jon Rahm is looking to end his debut season in style as he battles Joaquin Niemann for LIV Golf’s Individual Championship in Chicago.
The Spaniard has been dominant during the 2024 season and picked up his first victory at JCB in July.
Rahm hasn’t finished outside the top ten since turning his back on the PGA Tour, and a continuation of his impeccable form should see him capture LIV’s Individual crown.
The finale will be held at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Chicago, and Rahm has been asked to share his thoughts on the course ahead of Friday’s first 18.
Jon Rahm’s initial thoughts on LIV Golf Chicago course
Fans criticised Bolingbrook Golf Club after LIV announced the downtown Chicago venue back in March.
Rahm, however, has delivered a promising verdict after seeing the course for the first time.
“I’ve only seen the front nine yesterday, and I believe it was a different wind than we’re going to play. It’s in fantastic condition,” Rahm explained.
The Spaniard admitted he heard organisers were trying to control the course before the event.
Rahm added: “From what I hear, it was a few days ago, and they tried to get it under control yesterday.
“Small greens. Maybe not the longest overall, not the narrowest fairways, so it does seem like approach game is going to be very important this week.
“Like I said, overall, the message would be small greens, but they’re not flat, so they play even smaller than they are. It could be a week where if your ball-striking is on and your irons are on, you could have a very low one, and the opposite where if you’re missing greens it could be a very long week, as well.
“I think it could be disruptively difficult for people just looking at it on paper without seeing it in person.”
Rahm also said he needed to win to stave off Niemann as the duo battle for LIV’s Individual title.
Jon Rahm must match Joaquin Niemann to win LIV Golf Individual Championship
Niemann and Rahm are the only players who can win the Individual Championship, and for Rahm, the equation is straightforward.
The 29-year-old will win if he matches Niemann’s score. Furthermore, if the Chilean finishes outside the top 18, the title will be Rahm’s regardless of his performance.
Niemann’s 15th-place outing at LIV Golf Greenbrier gave Rahm the advantage, and the Chilean will be under no illusions about what he must do in Chicago.
The 25-year-old will need to finish inside the podium places and hope Rahm has an uncharacteristic off-day.
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