LIV Golf Hong Kong: Power Rankings & Preview | Rahm, Smith & Kim in Action
After an incredible start to the season that saw LIV Golf rookie Elvis Smylie win in Riyadh and Anthony Kim win in inspirational fashion in Adelaide, LIV Golf heads to HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong.
The tournament, taking place from to , will be held at the Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling, a par 70 course measuring 6,711 yards. The course is known for its tight, demanding layout – one of the smallest in professional golf, characterized by dense tree-lined fairways and small, protected greens.
TEAM POWER RANKINGS
1. Legion XIII
Jon Rahm’s team enters the week eager to secure their first team victory of the season after finishing as runners-up at LIV Golf Adelaide. The Spaniard began his 2026 campaign with consecutive second-place finishes, demonstrating consistent high-level play. His teammate, Tyrrell Hatton, rebounded strongly in Adelaide with a T3 finish after a disappointing start to the season in Riyadh. Adding to their strength, Tom McKibbin brings local knowledge to the team, having won the Link Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
2. Ripper GC
Ripper GC has enjoyed a remarkable start to the season, winning both LIV Golf events played thus far. Their acquisition of Elvis Smylie has proven immediately impactful, and the veteran core of the team is finding its form. Lucas Herbert recently finished runner-up at the New Zealand Open and, secured a spot in The Open Championship, bringing significant momentum into the Hong Kong tournament. Herbert began his LIV Golf season with a T9 in Riyadh and a T6 in Adelaide. Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman both finished in the top 10 in their last start, further solidifying Ripper GC’s position as a top contender.
3. Torque GC
Torque GC is looking to rebound after a fifth-place finish in Adelaide, following a strong runner-up performance in Riyadh. Led by Joaquin Niemann, the team will aim to capitalize on positive vibes at Hong Kong Golf Club. Abraham Ancer won the individual trophy in Hong Kong in 2024, suggesting a strong affinity for the course. Sebastian Munoz continues to be a consistent performer, finishing in the top 10 in both of his starts to begin 2026.
The HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament represents the third event of the 2026 season and initiates a stretch of three consecutive tournaments across three countries and two continents. The competition will feature four rounds of stroke play, with a field of 57 players divided into 13 teams of four, plus five wild cards. Play begins with a shotgun start on , at 1:15 p.m. Local time (12:15 a.m. ET).
Defending champions Sergio Garcia (Individual) and Fireballs GC will appear to repeat their success from last year, where they secured the second victory in a three-event winning streak. The question remains whether Fireballs GC can replicate that form with a potentially new lineup in 2026.
Anthony Kim’s participation is particularly noteworthy, marking his first start since his victory at LIV Golf Adelaide after a 12-year retirement. The all-Australian Ripper GC, fresh off their win in front of home fans in Adelaide, will aim to become the first LIV Golf team to win the first two tournaments of any season. The tournament also highlights the growing depth of talent within LIV Golf, with the first two individual titles in 2026 claimed by first-time winners – Elvis Smylie in Riyadh and Anthony Kim in Adelaide – bringing the total number of different individual LIV Golf tournament winners to 26.
Jon Rahm, the two-time defending LIV Golf Individual Champion, will be looking to finally break through for his first win of the season after finishing second in both Riyadh and Adelaide. The demanding layout of the Hong Kong Golf Club promises a challenging test for all competitors, and the outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the season-long standings.