Jon Rahm believes there is a LIV golfer who is the best tee-to-green player “on the planet“ ahead of Scottie Scheffler.
Rahm is playing the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour this week before he prepares for the start of the LIV Golf season.
The Spaniard will begin his second season on the PIF-backed venture in Riyadh at the start of February before heading to Adelaide for the popular event at The Grange Golf Club.
Ahead of this week’s DP World Tour stop at Emirates Golf Club, Rahm was questioned about Sergio Garcia, with the Spanish legend set to return to the European circuit in 2025.
Garcia hopes to compete in a record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup and has settled his fines with the Wentworth authorities to regain membership.
What Jon Rahm has said about Sergio Garcia
Speaking during his press conference on Monday, Rahm claimed Garcia is still performing at an extremely high level.
“For people that see him any given day, Sergio Garcia can hit it tee-to-green better than anybody on the planet,” Rahm said. “He’s still that good, and he’s still very valuable.”
Garcia finished third in the LIV individual standings in 2024. The 44-year-old placed second three times and won the Andalucia event at Valderrama. Despite his age, Garcia is still competing with LIV’s best, and Rahm would love to see his compatriot make Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black.
“I understand the change in circumstances. I get it. But at the end of the day, being Spanish and a friend and a mentor, I’m obviously going to be biased towards him. And I would love to see him in that team room, but who knows what’s going to happen,” Rahm added.
“I also understand we did an incredible job in that last Ryder Cup, having a newer team coming together and performing the way we did. So I hope, I believe, that there’s a place for Sergio in there.
“I think there will be a place for Sergio on the Ryder Cup at any given time. It’s just a matter of time now is letting the clubs do the talking.”
Sergio Garcia v Scottie Scheffler: Tee to green stats
Rahm’s claim that Garcia is one of the best tee-to-green players on the planet is undoubtedly bold when considering the presence of ball-striking phenomenon Scheffler.
So, let’s compare their stats to see if Rahm’s words harboured any truth.
When it comes to LIV, Garcia’s driving and approach play is right up with the best. The Spaniard ranked third for driving accuracy in 2024 (66%) and also ranked third for greens in regulation (72%).
However, Scheffler matches Garcia in both statistics. The world number one managed a driving accuracy of 67% in 2024 and also hit more greens in regulation on the PGA Tour. It’s important to remember Scheffler played more rounds than Garcia, making his numbers all the more impressive.
What’s more, Scheffler ranked second for strokes gained off the tee (0.816) and first for approaches to the green.
Unfortunately, as much as Rahm believes Garcia is still one of the world’s best, he’s not quite at the level Scheffler set on the PGA Tour in 2024.
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