Jon Rahm Names the Most Underrated Players in LIV Golf
In a recent episode of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast, Jon Rahm shed light on some of the most underrated players in LIV Golf, providing fans with an unexpected insight into the talent within the league. This comes as LIV Golf grapples with its players’ standings in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), affecting how they are perceived in the professional golf landscape.
The OWGR Impact on LIV Golf Players
As a result of LIV Golf’s current lack of accreditation by the OWGR, players have experienced significant drops in their rankings. Rahm, once the world’s top-ranked golfer, now finds himself at No. 87. Other players like Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka have seen even more drastic declines, with Johnson ranked 636 and Koepka at 244. Only Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau manage to stay within the top 30.
Rahm’s Top Underrated Picks
Here’s a closer look at Rahm’s selections, showcasing players he believes deserve more recognition.
Dean Burmester
- Accomplishments: Won LIV Miami in 2024 and LIV Chicago in 2025.
- Statement: “I think Dean Burmester gets a little bit underappreciated. He’s such a good player, especially when things get tricky. He hits the ball low. He’s really good in the wind.”
Joaquin Niemann
- Accomplishments: Achieved five wins on LIV in 2025.
- Statement: “I still think Joaquin [Niemann] is underrated. He hasn’t played his best in majors, but what I’ve seen the last two years out of him, he’s incredible. He’s won seven times in 26 starts.”
- David Puig
- Age: 24, one of the youngest players in LIV Golf.
- Accomplishments: Secured his first victory on the DP World Tour at the 2025 BMW Australian Championship.
- Statement: “I think he’s one of those where, if World Rankings counted, he’s been able to put himself closer inside the top 100 by playing around the planet in events that maybe don’t count as much as the ones on LIV.”
The Bigger Picture
These players, while facing challenges in terms of visibility and recognition due to the OWGR issues, showcase impressive skill and potential in professional golf. With Rahm advocating for their talent, this could spark a broader conversation on how rankings impact player recognition.
For more insights and updates on professional golf, follow the ongoing discussions around LIV players and their contributions to the sport.
