LIV Golf Virginia talking points: Mickelson’s return, DeChambeau form and key holes

LIV Golf returns this Friday, June 6, live and free on DAZN, as the teams head to the iconic Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia.

A historical course, embedded in golfing history as the location of the inaugural Presidents Cup, and the three that followed. It is the first time a LIV event is being hosted at this venue. 

Coming off the back of a 9-shot win in Korea, the Crushers, who sit in third (96.00 Points), will hope to further close the gap between leaders John Rahm’s Legions (134.66 Points) and Sergio Garcia’s second-placed Fireballs (113.00 Points). 

Rahm has led his team to top spot with a 21.66-point buffer halfway into the 2025 season. With individual Top 10 finishes in every event, but only one podium finish on the first weekend. 

All eyes will be on Crushers captain Bryson DeChambeau, who sits in second (105.35 Points) individually this season after both an individual and team win in Korea. 

DeChambeau will have a lot on his mind, with his 2024 U.S. Open title on the line in the coming weeks, however, remains a strong favourite to win. 

(LIV)

Virginia conditions 

Despite an abnormally wet May for the state of Virginia, Gainesville has escaped the downpour, leaving the course in pristine conditions for a weekend of golf.  

There is a small chance of rain at the beginning of the second day, however, a warm few days leading into the tournament will no doubt result in a firm playing condition. 

Who to look out for 

Historically Robert Trent favours precision over power, with tight fairways lined with bunkers and large but unforgiving greens.  

Due to the nature of the course, the likes of Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm are amongst the bookie's favourites, alongside DeChambeau. Visit DAZN Bet for the latest odds. 

Carlos Ortiz of team Torque will be hoping to challenge again, after narrowly missing out in Adelaide to his captain Joaquin Niemann at the start of the campaign.  

Niemann has been leading team Torque by example, entering the weekend as the individual leader this season (125.52 Points). With three wins out of a possible seven, he will be keen to add to an already impressive season. 

Charles Howell III, is coming off the back of an electric weekend in Korea. Helping the Crushers secure a win after three difficult days in Mexico City, shooting 9 under par with 10 birdies in his final round. 

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Mickelson’s return to Robert Trent

Phil Mickelson will be hoping to roll back the years as this weekend marks his first competitive return to Robert Trent in over two decades.  

Despite no individual wins at the course, his stellar performances in the Presidents Cup, helped the U.S. Team go undefeated in Virginia. 

This season has also marked a notable improvement in driving accuracy for the three-time Masters Champion, now up at 64% from a low of 43% at last year's Open Championship.

Although with only one podium finish this season, critics are unsure that his knowledge and experience will be enough. 

Course layout 

With water only coming into play on a few holes, players are expected to face challenges elsewhere. In particular; finding fairways, approach shots and bunkers. 

Robert Trent is renowned for its big inviting greens, which can bait the players into being too aggressive.  

Hidden contours will force players and caddies to be precise with landing spots on approach or run the risk of degreening.  

 

One notable change is that the 12th Par 5, will be played as a Par 4 for this event. Flipping a birdie opportunity into a battle for par, requiring both distance and precision to have a chance of reaching the green in two. 

Hole 3 is an iconic Par 4, Stroke Index one. This is due to a sharp dogleg tee shot, with long hitters attempting to cut the corner faced with deep fairway bunkers.  

The 18th green sits on the shore of Lake Manassas, making it a striking yet challenging final hole. Shots leaking left will risk rolling into the water, increasing the fear factor of closing out your round.  

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