Only last week, LIV experienced a big week in Chicago. Young stars made the top 10 tied alongside golfing legends. On the other hand, Dean Burmester made history on the course. However, it feels like it’s just the beginning with record crowds projected in Indianapolis this week. But what has caught attention is how Jon Rahm is preparing to move ahead after his T2 finish at Chicago, which closed the gap with his biggest rival.
Jon Rahm has had a remarkable year, securing a top-10 finish in almost all his LIV events, with the only exception being Dallas, where he finished tied for 11th. However, his title wins column has remained empty. Rahm’s rival, Joaquin Niemann, however, has had 5 wins in LIV this year alone. Although both players have had an interesting season, Niemann sits significantly higher than Rahm in the LIV Golf Standings at 208.43 points. This is 12.27 points ahead of Rahm, who sits second at 196.16.
If Rahm wants to win the LIV individuals, just like last year, his battle won’t be easy. With Indianapolis being the next-to-last event, Rahm must win to secure the individual title, which carries a staggering $18 million prize. However, even that won’t be enough, and Rahm knows this. If he’s to successfully defend his individual crown, a win alone won’t do. Niemann must finish third or worse at Indianapolis. Despite the stakes, Rahm knows his rival more by observation than conversation.
In an interview before the players tee it off at Indianapolis, Rahm was asked what he had learned about Niemann after competing alongside him in multiple events. He quickly acknowledged their limited off-course interaction. “Not that we are asking personal questions while we’re playing, so it can be very superficial unless we have a bit of a delay for whatever reason,” Rahm shared. “The only thing I’ve found out is his love for cars, which I share, so we’ve been able to talk about that a little bit,” he added.
While personal conversations have been minimal, Rahm has gained valuable insights into Niemann’s game through careful observation. “I like to observe because mid-round or mid-tournament I don’t think he’s going to give me anything. I just like to watch and observe what he’s doing and how he’s doing things. It’s very interesting,” Rahm explained. This approach reflects the mindset of elite golfers, who study not only their own performance but also the strategies of their rivals — a factor that can decide championships.
Rahm acknowledged that Niemann is a player worth learning from. “He really has all the shots and the ability to pull off any shots, so he’s somebody anybody can learn from.” And while Rahm is already among the sport’s top competitors, he understands the value of adaptation. “And the process, as well; what you’re seeing in practice and how people prepare, there’s some things you can learn from that. But not from straight-up asking, no. Not yet,” he clarified.
As Rahm heads into Indianapolis with the title on the line, he carries not just the drive to win, but also the lessons learned from the very player he’s trying to beat.
Rahm and Niemann’s mutual respect amid rivalry
Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann have been two of the most important faces of LIV Golf. Even though the rivalry remains intact for the individuals, Rahm and Niemann, however have maintained a relationship of mutual respect outside the greens. However, Rahm has been the most vocal about Niemann’s performance.“In my mind, nowadays in golf, due to various circumstances, I think Joaquin is severely underrated,” Rahm said. “He’s one of the best players in the world, and he keeps proving it… To do it multiple times, let alone five times in a season, is quite impressive.”
Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann set for LIV title showdown https://t.co/nuuPlICOgs https://t.co/nuuPlICOgs
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 14, 2025
In fact, Rahm has expressed his confusion over Niemann’s low ranking among the top 10 players in the world. “I’ve seen all those strokes gained rankings. I still don’t understand. He’s won five times here. How is he behind so many of us?… It’s not a true reflection. He is undoubtedly a top-10 player in the world right now. I’m saying that conservatively,” Rahm remarked.
Those are not standalone events. Ahead of LIV Golf Indianapolis, Rahm has doubled down on the praise. “Seven wins in two years is spectacular,” he said. “He’s a fantastic competitor, fantastic golfer, great person as well… even though I was able to get the best of him last year, he certainly made the job hard this year.”
With Niemann leading the standings into the final event, the title race is set for a dramatic conclusion. Whether Rahm takes the titles home again this year depends on Niemann’s performance this week.
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