English professional golfer Tyrrell Hatton has made a significant move by joining Jon Rahm’s new team, Legion XIII, with LIV Golf, only three days before the season opener in Mexico. This decision marks the first expansion franchise in the league’s history. As the 16th-ranked player in the Official World Golf Ranking, Hatton will team up with Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent and University of Tennessee sophomore Caleb Surratt on Rahm’s squad.
Rahm expressed his pride in the team and brand they are building, emphasizing the importance of finding teammates who share the team’s values. Hatton’s strong competitive spirit and proven championship record, along with his Ryder Cup experience, will be valuable assets. Meanwhile, Surratt brings youthful energy and talent to the team, and Vincent is noted for his steady and skilled ball-striking abilities.
According to reports from The Telegraph of London, Hatton’s signing with LIV Golf involved a deal worth approximately $60 million. This high-profile signing underscores LIV Golf’s ongoing efforts to attract top talent from the PGA Tour, following Rahm’s own signing on December 7.
LIV Golf commissioner and CEO Greg Norman expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Legion XIII, characterizing it as a significant step in the league’s long-term growth. By securing Rahm and assembling a strong team, LIV Golf looks poised to make a substantial impact on the world of golf.
Tyrrell Hatton, aged 32, has achieved success with six wins on the DP World Tour and one victory at the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour. His strong performance, including a second-place finish at the 2023 Players Championship and multiple top-10 finishes, has solidified his position as a top competitor. Hatton has also represented the European Team in three Ryder Cups, showcasing his experience at top-level international events.
Caleb Surratt, a rising star from Indian Trail, North Carolina, has made a name for himself by winning the SEC individual championship and earning the title of the league’s freshman of the year in 2023. As the 10th-ranked amateur in the world and a member of the Walker Cup team, Surratt brings promise and talent to the team.
In a recent development, LIV Golf also secured the addition of Poland’s Adrian Meronk, who boasts four victories on the DP World Tour and was named the circuit’s player of the year in 2023. Meronk was initially expected to compete on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour this season. The details of his involvement with LIV Golf are yet to be officially announced, but he is anticipated to join Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC squad.
The third season of LIV Golf commences at Mayakoba Resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and promises to be an exciting chapter in the sport. With top-tier signings and the addition of new teams, the league’s growth and evolution are on full display. Hatton’s decision to join Legion XIII with LIV Golf adds further intrigue to the upcoming season, and all eyes will be on the achievements and performances of these talented golfers.