The LIV Golf Season is ready to start. Riyadh Golf Club beckons as the season tees off on Feb 6 in Saudi Arabia. A $25 million purse awaits the participants with the individual competition having a $20 million purse, with the winner likely to collect $4 million in prize money.

With lots at stake, several big names are vying for the top prize. Phil Mickelson is out of contention and replaced by International Series India winner Ollie Schniederjans. Let’s take a look at who is primed for success at the Riyadh Golf Club.

5. Jon Rahm

The only reason Jon Rahm is as low as 5 on this list is because of his Dubai Desert Classic outing. The second-year LIV Golfer finished 2 above par and failed to make the cut at the Emirates Golf Club. However, the Spaniard can never be written off. He was LIV Golf’s leading points-getter last season and won two events en route to getting the biggest purse in the Saudi-backed league.

What makes his case even stronger is that he has gone from strength to strength since joining LIV, winning two of the last three individual events in the league. Jon Rahm is a top contender to clinch the season opener.

4. Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau became a part of history as he became the only reigning Major winner to step foot on the Indian subcontinent when he competed in the International Series India as part of the Asian Tour. He did not disappoint the Indian crowd as he finished 2 with a score of 6 under par just behind Ollie Schniederjans.

The momentum favours the American golfer and he will be looking to achieve his first victory in more than a year at the Saudi-backed tour. Despite not winning any titles, the Crushers GC captain had led his team to the team championship last year in LIV Golf, while finishing 8 on the individual list.

3. Brooks Koepka

Synonymous with Victory and LIV Golf, Koepka is a sure pick in any top 5 list involving LIV Golf. The American has been killing it ever since joining LIV Golf in 2022, registering 5 victories. Koepka finished fifth last season claiming victories at LIV Golf Singapore and LIV Golf Greenbrier.

His nerves of steel were on full display at Greenbrier where he beat Spaniard Jon Rahm in a playoff to secure the victory after both golfers finished 19 under par. If the going gets tough, tough people like Koepka get going and that might be the game changer for him.

2. Joaquin Niemann

An impressive T3 at International Series India. Winner of the 2024 LIV Golf opening event at Mayokaba. Close second to Jon Rahm in both the Individual Points List and Money List. Winner of the last LIV Golf tournament in Saudi Arabia. These are the four points that make Joaquin Niemann a strong contender for the top spot.

Currently, the bookies’ favorite to clinch the trophy at the LIV Golf Opener, the Chilean golfer will be looking to register only his third LIV Golf victory at Riyadh this coming week.

1. Tyrell Hatton

Dubai Desert Classic proved to be very fruitful for Hatton, who claimed an impressive victory at Majilis Course at the Emirates Golf Club. He will be looking for another victory in similar conditions at LIV Golf Riyadh. Hatton, who finished 4 in the individual points list last season, was the highest-scoring non-captain.

He had three top 3 finishes, including a dominating victory at LIV Golf Nashville, where he was ahead of second-placed Sam Horsfield by 6 strokes. The Brit will have his eyes on the prize again as he gets ready to tee up at Riyadh.

With so many top golfers competing, it is difficult to pick a clear-cut winner. Who do you think has the best shot at claiming the opener in Saudi Arabia?