The LIV Golf League is gearing up for a thrilling conclusion to its 2025 season as the Team Championship takes center stage at The Cardinal at Saint John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, from August 22–24.
This season-ending spectacle promises intense competition, dramatic matchups, and a unique blend of match play and stroke play, with 12 elite teams vying for the prestigious team title and a share of the $50 million purse. Here’s everything you need to know about the high-octane finale.
The Stage: The Cardinal at Saint John’s
Nestled across 200 acres of rolling terrain, The Cardinal at Saint John’s offers a stunning yet challenging 18-hole championship course. Known for its towering century-old trees, strategic hazards, and pristine greens, the layout demands precision and creativity. Each hole presents a unique test, ensuring players face fresh challenges with every swing, making it a fitting battleground for LIV Golf’s season finale.
The Format: A Blend of Drama and Strategy
The 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship introduces a revamped format designed to maximize action and keep fans on the edge of their seats. The event kicks off with a Wednesday play-in match between the 12th- and 13th-seeded teams, Majesticks GC and Iron Heads GC, to determine the final team in the 12-team bracket. From Friday, the competition unfolds over three days:
Friday and Saturday: Match Play – Quarterfinals and semifinals feature head-to-head match play with two singles matches and one alternate-shot (foursomes) match per team. Higher-seeded team captains gain a strategic edge by setting their lineups after their opponents, adding a layer of tactical intrigue.
Sunday: Stroke Play Finale – The final three teams compete in a stroke-play showdown, where all four players’ scores count toward the team total. The team with the lowest score claims the championship, ensuring every shot carries immense weight.
This hybrid format combines the immediate intensity of match play with the pressure cooker of stroke play, creating a dynamic and unpredictable conclusion. As LIV Golf Executive Vice President Ross Hallett stated, “These updates mean fans will get more golf from our top teams and put added pressure on players to perform from start to finish.”
The Contenders: Legion XIII and Crushers
Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII enters as the No. 1 seed, having dominated the regular season with 248.66 points and four team victories. Rahm, fresh off defending his Individual Championship with a career-best 11-under 60 at LIV Golf Indianapolis, makes his Team Championship debut after missing last year’s event due to illness. Joined by Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, and Caleb Surratt, Legion XIII is favored to complete the double in Michigan, especially after securing the privilege to choose their quarterfinal opponent following the play-in match.
Hot on their heels are Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC, the 2023 Team Champions, who finished the season with 186 points and three wins. DeChambeau, Paul Casey, Charles Howell III, and Anirban Lahiri form a deep roster, with all four players ranking in the top 25 of the individual standings. The Crushers face Majesticks GC in the quarterfinals, setting up an intriguing clash of experience versus form.
Other notable teams include:
- Fireballs GC, led by Sergio Garcia, who won in Hong Kong, and featuring young star David Puig, facing Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC in the quarterfinals.
- Torque GC, powered by Joaquin Niemann’s five individual wins and Sebastián Muñoz’s historic 12-under 59 in Indianapolis, taking on RangeGoats GC.
- 4Aces GC, captained by Dustin Johnson, squaring off against Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC in a blockbuster quarterfinal dubbed the “popcorn match.”
Last year’s champions, Ripper GC, face a tougher road without a bye after a lackluster finish at Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Stinger GC, led by Dean Burmester’s recent win in Chicago, looks to leverage their momentum against Ripper in the quarterfinals.
Key Storylines to Watch
- Rahm’s Redemption: After missing the 2024 Team Championship, Jon Rahm is poised to lead Legion XIII to glory. His recent form, including three second-place finishes in his last four starts, makes him a focal point. Can he deliver the team title to cap his individual triumph?
- Relegation Fallout: Five players—Yubin Jang, Frederik Kjettrup, Henrik Stenson, Andy Ogletree, and Mito Pereira—face relegation after finishing in the Drop Zone. Their performances in Michigan could be their final act in LIV Golf for 2025, adding extra pressure.
- Star-Studded Matchups: The quarterfinals feature blockbuster clashes, including Dustin Johnson versus Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed against former teammate Talor Gooch, promising high drama.
- Fan Experience: LIV Golf is enhancing the fan experience with free grounds passes for kids 12 and under, 25% off tickets for students and teachers, and premium hospitality options like Club 54 and the Birdie Shack. World-class concerts and family-friendly activities will complement the on-course action.
How to Watch
The LIV Golf Team Championship will be broadcast in the U.S. on Fox Sports, with Friday’s coverage from 12-2 p.m. on FS1 and 2-5 p.m. on a yet-to-be-announced channel. In the UK, fans can catch the action on ITVX, with select coverage on ITV1 and ITV4. Check local listings for complete broadcast details.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the $50 million purse, the Team Championship is about legacy. With no cuts and a shotgun start ensuring all 48 players are in action simultaneously, the event promises non-stop excitement. As the LIV Golf League celebrates its 50th tournament since its 2022 debut, the Michigan finale marks a milestone moment for the Saudi-backed circuit, showcasing its unique team format and electrifying energy.
Will Legion XIII cement their dominance, or can an underdog like Stinger GC or Torque GC pull off an upset? Tune in August 22–24 to witness the season’s final chapter unfold in Detroit. For tickets and more information, visit LIVGolf.com.
