LIV Golf Houston 2024 Preview, Picks & Analysis

I have a prediction that I thought I would never be making - there is going to be huge interest in LIV Golf’s latest tournament in Houston this week.

And the reason for that is all down to one man, a certain Bryson DeChambeau. The big-hitting 30-year-old American surely won a new army of fans after his sensational performance in the PGA Championship at Valhalla, when he agonisingly came up one stroke short of catching Xander Schauffele.

Brooks Koepka came into the season’s second major as the defending champion but it was DeChambeau who stole the show. It wasn’t just the thrilling manner of his play - it was the fact that he so obviously loved every single moment of it. He also played superbly at The Masters and will surely fancy his chances at both the US Open and The Open Championship - if the weather is kind at Troon in July, DeChambeau could rip the famous old course to shreds.

There was so much to admire about his play at Valhalla but the hole that will live longest in my memory was the 10th on the final day. A par five measuring 600 yards, The Scientist reduced it to a drive and a six iron. It was mind boggling stuff.

I had never been a fan of the American during his days when he muscled up. And I became bored to tears with his running feud with Koepka. 

But he has now found a happy medium and also seems to be at peace with himself, on and off the course. I know it is not going to happen anytime soon but I would love to see DeChambeau playing regularly on the PGA Tour once again. His play at The Masters and PGA has seen him climb to 35th in the world rankings. Does anybody out there seriously believe that there are 34 better players in the world of golf? I certainly don’t.

Jon Rahm will be desperate to start justifying his massive signing-on fee. The Spaniard has looked out of sorts all year and it came as no surprise when he missed the cut at Valhalla. I have said before and I repeat here that I believe Rahm is a golfer who needs to play regular competitive golf and is suffering from his reduced playing schedule.

I also expect Koepka to be back to his best this week. I got the sense that he was trying a little bit too hard during the PGA Championship. He remains a class act.

The Course:

The Tournament Course at Golf Club of Houston was designed by Rees Jones and David Toms and features well-manicured fairways, stunning greens and plenty of strategic bunkers. It features native plants and plenty of wildlife. It is a par 72 and measures 7,422 yards.

Form Guide:

Bryson DeChambeau is most definitely the man to beat after his sensational form at the PGA Championship, completing 72 holes in 264 strokes, 20 under par.

To Win:

Bryson DeChambeau. Can do incredible things

Each Way:

Brooks Koepka. Back to his best

Each Way:

Jon Rahm. Needs a win

Five to Follow:

Bryson DeChambeau. Light the blue touch paper...

Brooks Koepka. Has no weaknesses

Jon Rahm. Not enjoying his year to date

Joaquin Niemann. Has all the shots in the book

Talor Gooch. Wonderful short game