LIV Golf has announced its first expansion team, Legion XIII.
The Legion XIII roster was finalised following the recent signings of Tyrrell Hatton (England), Caleb Surratt (United States) and Kieran Vincent (Zimbabwe).
Captained by two-time Major winner and reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm, Legion XIII will begin competing at the league’s season-opening event, LIV Golf Mayakoba, teeing off this Friday at El Camaleon Golf Course in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
“We’ve come a long way in a short period of time and are extremely proud of the team and brand we are building,” said Rahm. “As we were developing the team’s brand it became clear that I wanted to fight alongside a group of guys who aligned perfectly with what the team stands for.
“Tyrrell is a fierce competitor, proven champion, and of course my Ryder Cup teammate. Caleb is one of the brightest next-gen stars of the game. And Kieran is a steady, talented ball striker who earned his promotion to LIV and is elevating his game every day.”
Pulling from the attitude attributes of ‘proud’, ‘determined’, and ‘true’, Rahm infused his team’s DNA with honesty, emotion, and a sense of togetherness. United under the mantra ‘Together we play. Together we conquer.’, Legion XIII is bred by passion, energized by power, and full of pride.
“I wanted to go down the warrior spirit mythology side for the team’s name,” said Rahm. “The term loyalty is very important for me – I think it embodies the warrior spirit through its decisiveness and ready-for-battle mindset. During the Roman Empire, there was the iconic Legion XIII Gemina in Caesar’s army. They believed in the credo of faithful loyalty.
“The XIII portion of the name was appealing early in the process as it fit the structure of captain [X] and the three players in the lineup [III],” explained Rahm. “Plus, we are the 13th team in the league.
“As for the logo, that was something I was also very passionate about. The soccer team I grew up following [Athletic Bilbao] is called the Lions. It’s just a fierce animal that everybody respects and fears at the same time.”
“The introduction of Legion XIII is a testament to LIV Golf’s continued growth as our league builds for the long-term,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman.
“Jon Rahm is one of the top competitors in the world and his team will make an immediate impact on the league both on and off the golf course. I’m thrilled to welcome his new teammates, Ryder Cup star Tyrrell Hatton and young gun Caleb Surratt, along with LIV Golf Promotions standout Kieran Vincent, who will undoubtedly be great additions to the league.
“This is another exciting moment in the natural evolution of LIV Golf and the future for the sport.”
