LIV Golf Andalucía Suspended Due to High Winds, Five Players Share Lead
Round 1 of LIV Golf Andalucía was suspended on Friday, July 11, 2025, due to extreme wind conditions at Real Club Valderrama. Gusts reaching up to 33 mph made the course unplayable, forcing officials to halt play at 5:07 p.m. local time. Five players are currently tied for the lead at 1-under par. Play is scheduled to resume on Saturday, July 12, at 8:00 a.m. local time, with Round 2 set to begin at 10:30 a.m. local time.
Unplayable Conditions Force Suspension
The decision to suspend play was made due to the severity of the wind, which made it nearly impossible for players to maintain control of their shots. The exposed nature of Real Club Valderrama made it particularly vulnerable to the high winds, creating hazardous conditions for both players and spectators. The suspension occurred at 5:07 p.m. local time on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Leading Players at the Halftime
Despite the challenging conditions, five players managed to navigate the course effectively and find themselves tied at the top of the leaderboard at 1-under par when play was suspended:
- Talor Gooch (Smash GC) - through 10 holes
- Lee Westwood (Majesticks GC) - through 15 holes
- Cameron Smith (Ripper GC) - through 16 holes
- Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC) - through 16 holes
- Branden Grace (Stinger GC) - through 2 holes
Team Standings in Limbo
While the leading players represent five different teams – Smash GC, Majesticks GC, Ripper GC, Torque GC, and Stinger GC – the exact team standings at the moment of suspension remain unclear. Torque GC, Crushers GC, and Legion XIII are the top three teams in the overall season standings, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition.
Resumption of Play and Round 2 Schedule
Players will return to Real Club Valderrama on Saturday, July 12, to complete Round 1. Play is scheduled to resume at 8:00 a.m. local time (2:00 a.m. ET). Round 2 will commence at 10:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. ET) immediately following the conclusion of Round 1. Officials are hoping for improved weather conditions to ensure a fair and competitive tournament.
Player Reactions to Brutal Conditions
The challenging conditions at Real Club Valderrama drew strong reactions from the players. Many described the wind as "frustrating" and "brutal," emphasizing the difficulty of playing such a course even without the added challenge of strong winds. Cameron Smith, one of the co-leaders, specifically noted the impact of the wind on the greens, making putting particularly difficult.
LIV Golf's Ongoing Context and News
LIV Golf continues to generate headlines both on and off the course. The league has recently reapplied for inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), a move that has faced previous rejection. This pursuit of OWGR recognition highlights LIV Golf's ambition to solidify its place within the broader golf ecosystem.
Recent Player Acquisition: Josele Ballester Joins Fireballs
In other LIV Golf news, young Spanish talent Josele Ballester has joined Sergio Garcia's Fireballs team. Ballester cited the opportunity to learn from Garcia and the unique tournament format of LIV Golf as key factors in his decision to choose LIV over the PGA Tour. This acquisition underscores LIV Golf's ongoing efforts to attract emerging talent and expand its global presence.
Jon Rahm Seeks Form at Home Event
Spanish superstar Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII, has openly expressed his frustration with a winless 2025 season. Rahm is hoping to find his form at LIV Golf Andalucía, playing on home soil in front of a supportive crowd. His performance will be closely watched as he seeks to turn his season around.
Event Details: LIV Golf's First European Stop in 2025
LIV Golf Andalucía marks the first European stop on the 2025 LIV Golf calendar. The tournament is being held at the prestigious Real Club Valderrama in San Roque, Spain, from July 11-13, 2025. The event showcases LIV Golf's commitment to expanding its global footprint and bringing its unique brand of competition to new audiences.
