Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau are among the star names eyeing glory at LIV Golf Andalucia this week.
The LIV Golf Tour heads to Spain following the trip to Nashville, where Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII emerged victorious.
It is, however, DeChambeau’s Crushers – the runners-up from that tournament – who lead the team standings after nine events so far.
LIV Golf Andalucia at Real Club Valderrama is up next, with the Spanish course having hosted many high-profile events over the years.
The one that will certainly spring to the mind of many golf fans is the 1997 Ryder Cup, where hosts Team Europe won 14½-13½ under Seve Ballesteros.
Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau preview LIV Golf Andalucia
LIV Golf captains Mickelson and DeChambeau are now preparing themselves and their teams for the course, with the duo waxing lyrical about Real Club Valderrama.
Speaking on LIV Golf’s YouTube channel, Mickelson said: “It’s really fun for us to come to such a world class golf course which has held WGC events, Ryder Cups, European Tour events and LIV Events.
“It really is a unique, special golf course which has been created here among these trees.”
DeChambeau concurred: “It’s a fantastic venue. I’ve watched the Ryder Cup back in the day, albeit I was only four, five or six! But I have seen highlights.
“The golf course always intrigued me whenever they played a DP World Tour event here. Coming here for the first time last year I could see why this golf course is extremely loved here in Spain and is certainly a golf course which most people don’t think is fitting for me.
“I think it is a great golf course, a strategy golf course, you have to have your irons dialled in and you have to putt really well.”
Can Bryson DeChambeau go one better at Real Club Valderrama?
DeChambeau is, of course, a man very much in form, with the American having just cinched his second major at the US Open.
He narrowly edged out Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst No. 2, with DeChambeau claiming that aspects of YouTube golf helped prepare him for his impeded second shot on the 72nd hole.
The big-hitting LIV star has been the best performer in the majors this year, but his current focus is now on the Greg Norman-backed tour.
DeChambeau has fond memories of Valderrama, having finished second at last year’s competition at Andalucia.
Torque, who sit third in the LIV Golf standings, are the reigning champions, with Taylor Gooch winning the individual title while representing RangeGoats.
Mickelson meanwhile will want to add further silverware to his collection, with the veteran among the top 10 highest-earning golfers of all time.
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