Legion XIII Targets Season Opener Three-Peat at LIV Golf Riyadh 2026

Defending team champions Legion XIII—captained by Jon Rahm alongside Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin—arrived in Riyadh with high expectations for the 2026 LIV Golf season opener at Riyadh Golf Club. Rahm, who has led the team to victory in the first event of the last two seasons, expressed excitement about returning to the night golf format and aiming for a third consecutive opening-week win.

“We’ve been able to win the first event of the year the last two years, so hoping to make it three in a row,” Rahm said. “It’s always hard to say what sort of tone is set first week of the year… but it’s a great way to start.”

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The unchanged Legion XIII roster reflects the squad’s proven strength, having secured the Team Championship in 2025. Hatton emphasized the continuity as a key advantage:

“We as a team are very strong across the four. Winning the Team Championship last year sort of proved that. Nothing needed to change in our team.”

McKibbin, reflecting on his successful LIV debut and first full season in 2025, noted the league’s rising standard with new signings and talent. “LIV Golf has had some good signings and definitely getting a little bit stronger,” he said. The trio also discussed the unique challenges and fun of night golf, from adjusting to shadows on the ball and club faces to reading putts under bright greens, with all agreeing the format adds excitement—though Hatton and Rahm prefer it remain a one-off event due to logistical complexities.

With the season now featuring 72-hole events and an expanded 57-player field, Rahm welcomed the changes, noting he had advocated for more holes to reward stronger teams and individuals. The group also touched on broader topics, including Patrick Reed’s decision to return to the PGA TOUR, wishing him well, and positive signs of potential progress regarding DP World Tour releases for LIV players. As the action begins under the lights February 4–7, Legion XIII appears poised to set an early tone in what promises to be a highly competitive 2026 campaign.

Photos, data, and quotes courtesy of LIV Golf