Sergio Garcia opens Jon Rahm’s eyes during latest LIV Golf event

Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia were paired together in the first round of LIV Golf’s Andalucia Masters at Real Club Valderrama, where the former faced a challenging day on the course. The Spanish duo, participating in the event at the iconic Andalusian venue, had differing fortunes in the opening round. Garcia carded a two-under 69, placing him close behind leader Dean Burmester, while Rahm finished with a 73.

Rahm, who made headlines with his $500 million move to the Saudi Arabian circuit earlier this year, has yet to secure a win on the tour. Garcia, who has previously expressed his fondness for the course and named it his “favorite” place to tee off worldwide, shared some words of wisdom with his compatriot.

Garcia recalled their conversation, saying: “I was talking to Jon a lot. And I said to him early on, I think it was like on the second or third hole. I said, ‘You can definitely see the teeth at Valderrama today.’ He was like, ‘You don’t think this is the whole mouth?’ I said, ‘No, I’ve played tougher than this. It was up there in terms of difficulty. It was solid. But I probably would say that the other wind, as hard as this, is probably a tougher wind to play the golf course.'”

Reflecting on his own performance, Garcia said, “It was probably one of the best putting rounds I’ve ever had as a professional. Just every time I stood over a putt, I felt like I could make it. You don’t get days like that too often, but certainly I don’t. I managed to hit a lot of good shots as well. It was a special day, and to be playing with Branden [Grace] and Charl [Schwartzel] and to enjoy that with them was super cool.”

In contrast, Rahm has faced criticism throughout the year due to his 2024 form. Among his critics is Eamon Lynch, who remarked, “The game just hasn’t been there. Perhaps it’s a coincidence that it’s happened after he went to LIV Golf. You know, everyone has slump years, and maybe this is just his. But to me, a guy who finished tied second in The Open last year and is going back there this year having performed pretty miserably by his standards in major championships, to me, is the storyline.”