2025 LIV Golf Team Championship: Explosive Quarterfinal Matchups Set to Ignite Michigan

Plymouth, Michigan, August 21, 2025 – The LIV Golf Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John’s is set to deliver an explosive finale to the 2025 season, with a thrilling new format and intense quarterfinal matchups announced during today’s press conference. Hosted by LIV Golf broadcaster Arlo White, the event featured captains from all 12 competing teams, including top seeds Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), and Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), alongside Joaquín Niemann (Torque GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), Cam Smith (Ripper GC), Louis Oosthuizen (Stinger GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Bubba Watson (RangeGoats GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Martin Kaymer (Cleeks GC), and Ian Poulter (Majesticks GC). With no byes and strategic opponent selections, the stage is set for a dramatic three days of team golf starting August 22.

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New Format Raises the Stakes

The 2025 Team Championship introduces a no-bye format, ensuring all 48 players compete from Friday’s quarterfinals. Following a play-in match on August 20, where Ian Poulter’s Majesticks GC edged out Kevin Na’s Iron Heads GC 2-1 to secure the 12th seed, the field is set at 12 teams. Each quarterfinal matchup features two singles matches and one alternate-shot foursomes match, with the first team to two points advancing. Higher seeds, determined by regular-season standings, select their opponents, adding a layer of strategy. “The higher the seed, the higher the pick,” White noted, emphasizing the advantage of seeing opponents’ lineups to optimize matchups.

Quarterfinal Matchups and Strategic Picks

The quarterfinals, revealed by the captains, promise high-stakes drama:

Legion XIII (1) vs. Cleeks GC (11)
Jon Rahm, the 2025 Individual Champion and captain of the four-time winning Legion XIII, selected Cleeks GC over Majesticks, citing the latter’s match play experience. “With the Majesticks coming on top and the amount of match play experience they have… they could be a very dangerous team,” Rahm explained. His lineup pits Tyrrell Hatton against Richard Bland, himself against Adrian Meronk, and Caleb Surratt/Tom McKibbin against Freddy Kjettrup/Martin Kaymer. Kaymer acknowledged the challenge: “Jon showed what he can do… he had to finish top 12 every single tournament. That was very impressive.” Yet, he expressed confidence in his team’s lineup, noting Bland’s consistency and the foursomes’ potential.

Crushers GC (2) vs. Majesticks GC (12)
Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off a Ryder Cup selection, chose Majesticks GC, believing their inconsistent season offered a favorable matchup. “They haven’t played their best this year, albeit anything can happen,” he said. Pairings include DeChambeau vs. Lee Westwood, Anirban Lahiri vs. Sam Horsfield, and Paul Casey/Charles Howell III vs. Henrik Stenson/Ian Poulter. DeChambeau swapped his usual Howell/Lahiri pairing to leverage Casey’s consistency. Poulter, buoyed by yesterday’s play-in win, hopes the early course experience gives his “wily old foxes” an edge.

Fireballs GC (3) vs. HyFlyers GC (10)
Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs, with three early-season wins, selected HyFlyers GC. Matchups feature David Puig vs. Phil Mickelson, Abraham Ancer vs. Cameron Tringale (5-0 in LIV match play), and Garcia/Josele Ballester vs. Brendan Steele/Andy Ogletree. Garcia praised Ballester’s potential, noting his strong finishes at JCB and Chicago. Mickelson, who hoped for a 2016 Ryder Cup rematch with Garcia, acknowledged the Fireballs’ firepower: “David Puig and Josele are two of the most exciting young players… with 190 ball speed and incredible wedge play.” Despite a challenging season, Mickelson remains optimistic, citing his early-season form and top-24 finish.

Torque GC (4) vs. RangeGoats GC (9)
Joaquín Niemann, coming off five individual wins and a team victory in Indianapolis, picked RangeGoats GC. Matchups include Niemann vs. Bubba Watson, Mito Pereira vs. Ben Campbell, and Sebastián Muñoz/Carlos Ortiz vs. Matthew Wolff/Peter Uihlein. Niemann paired Muñoz and Ortiz, college teammates, for their consistency and course fit. Watson, leading from the front, aims to pressure Niemann with his iron play, while Wolff and Uihlein’s shared ball and familiarity make them a “tough matchup.”

4Aces GC (5) vs. Smash GC (8)
Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces, the 2022 champions, face Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC. Matchups are Johnson vs. Koepka, Patrick Reed vs. Talor Gooch, and Harold Varner III/Thomas Pieters vs. Graeme McDowell/Jason Kokrak. Johnson called it a straightforward choice with only three teams remaining, emphasizing his and Reed’s singles comfort and Varner/Pieters’ synergy. Koepka, recalling their 2022 Dell Match Play encounter, anticipates a tough battle: “They’ve got a real solid team all the way through.”

Ripper GC (6) vs. Stinger GC (7)
Defending champions Ripper GC, led by Cam Smith, face Louis Oosthuizen’s Stinger GC in a rematch of the dramatic 2022 Adelaide playoff. Matchups include Lucas Herbert vs. Dean Burmester, Smith vs. Branden Grace, and Marc Leishman/Matt Jones vs. Oosthuizen/Charl Schwartzel. Smith admitted Ripper’s second-half struggles but is ready for the challenge: “These guys only won a couple of weeks ago in Chicago… it’s going to be a tough matchup.” Oosthuizen highlighted Grace’s resurgence and his long-time foursomes chemistry with Schwartzel, joking about their comfort “playing from under the trees.”

Captains’ Insights and Season Reflections

The captains shared perspectives on their strategies and seasons. Rahm, absent from last year’s championship due to illness, is eager to compete: “I’m just really happy to be a part of it and hopefully do even better on Sunday.” DeChambeau emphasized his hands-off leadership, trusting veterans Casey and Howell. Garcia praised Ballester’s growth, while Mickelson reflected on his top-24 finish at 55, aiming to capitalize on this “reset.” Niemann relished the challenge of facing Watson, and Johnson noted 4Aces’ improving form. Koepka called the matchup “one of the tougher” ones, while Smith and Oosthuizen anticipated a fun, intense Australia-South Africa rivalry.

A Unique Fan Experience

The Team Championship promises more than golf. With a festival-like atmosphere, fans will enjoy concerts by Imagine Dragons (Saturday) and Swedish House Mafia (Sunday), alongside a fan village and family-friendly activities. Mickelson contrasted LIV’s relaxed, fun vibe with traditional tournaments: “The fans have walked away from the experience having fun and wanting more.” DeChambeau highlighted the intensity of every shot and the unique team format, rare outside events like the Ryder Cup. The shotgun start ensures all action unfolds in four and a half hours, making it accessible and engaging.

What to Expect

With six blockbuster matchups, Friday’s quarterfinals set the tone for a weekend of high-level golf. Saturday’s semifinals split into championship and rankings brackets, with Sunday’s stroke-play finale—where all four scores count—crowning the 2025 champions. The Cardinal at Saint John’s, a transformed venue, is ready to host 10,000-15,000 fans daily, amplifying Michigan’s passionate sports culture.

For tickets and updates on the LIV Golf Team Championship, visit the official LIV Golf website. Don’t miss the chance to witness history as these elite teams battle for the ultimate prize!

Quotes and data courtesy of LIV Golf Media