The LIV Golf League is back in action, with the 2025 LIV Golf Virginia event taking center stage at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, from June 6-8. This is the inaugural LIV Golf Virginia, though there have been two previous stagings of LIV Greenbrier in West Virginia. As the players gear up for the U.S. Open the following week, the competition is expected to be fierce.
Bryson DeChambeau enters as a favorite, listed at +450 by DraftKings and 9/2 by other sources. Fresh off a victory at LIV Golf Korea and a strong performance at the PGA Championship, where he tied for second, DeChambeau is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. His recent form and U.S. Open title defense looming make him a significant threat. However, it's worth noting that he may be using LIV Virginia as a warm-up for the major competition.
Jon Rahm is also among the top contenders, with odds around +600. Rahm has consistently performed well this season, boasting seven consecutive top-10 finishes in LIV Golf League events and two top-15 finishes in major championships. Despite his consistency, a win has eluded him thus far, making him eager to break through at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.
Joaquin Niemann, currently leading the LIV Golf individual standings, is another strong favorite at +750. Niemann has already secured three LIV event wins this season and has shown he can compete at the highest level with a recent top-10 finish at the PGA Championship. His impressive form makes him a constant threat to win.
Several other players are considered strong contenders. Tyrrell Hatton (+1100) is known for his strong iron play, which suits the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Lucas Herbert (+1800) has been performing well in 2025 and could be a dark horse. Veteran Marc Leishman (40/1) also enters as a compelling option, especially given that he lives in Virginia and will have strong local support. He recently secured a spot in the U.S. Open, which could boost his confidence.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club is a par-71 course playing at over 7,300 yards. The course is known for its tight fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and large, challenging greens, rewarding precision over power. Approach play and putting will be crucial for success. The weather forecast for the first round predicts clear and warm conditions, with a high of 30°C, but wind gusts could reach up to 30 km/h, potentially impacting shot execution.
With the U.S. Open on the horizon, some players may be more focused on fine-tuning their games for the major championship. However, the $4 million first-place prize and the desire to climb the LIV Golf standings will undoubtedly motivate all participants. Keep an eye on players like Carlos Ortiz, Patrick Reed, Cameron Smith, and other longshots who could surprise.
