Looks like the tides are turning in favor of LIV Golf and its players. Although they still don’t have the OWGR validation they are looking for, their peers have been more accepting of them after years of criticism. It all started with the Ryder Cup dinner in Philly. Hosted by Team U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley, a group of potential players for Bethpage gathered for a small bonding session. The group didn’t include Scottie Scheffler, but Bradley did extend an invitation to Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, who had also flown in from across the ocean after LIV Golf Korea.

More recently, the veteran golfer has spoken fondly of his peers playing in the PIF-funded league. Commending the challenges DeChambeau & Co. face, Bradley compared their league to the PGA Tour before stating, “Winning a LIV event is a big deal.” While his acknowledgement was focused on his potential Ryder Cup teammates, Scheffler was much more appreciative of a rival from LIV Golf whom he respects.

Speaking in the 2025 PGA Championship Press Conference, the world no. 1 said, “You look at a guy like Jon Rahm, like I love the way he plays with passion over every shot. It’s very rare for him
to lose focus, and you kind of see that in his face when he plays. He plays so competitively. Tiger was kind of the same way. Tiger was obviously the best at it, but every shot he hit was the most important shot that he’s ever hit. I could go on and on, but those are a few small examples.”

Jon Rahm is extremely passionate about his game. He has finished in the top 10 in every LIV event he has played. We also saw a glimpse of his unwavering passion at Augusta National, where, despite having a disappointing first round, he didn’t stop fighting till the end. Tiger Woods, in his prime, was the epitome of competitiveness. In 2008, he won the US Open with a torn Achilles tendon. In 2021, he played in the PNC Championship with a leg injury. Woods’s eagerness to still compete, despite so many injuries, further speaks volumes of his passion. But Scheffler drawing parallels between the Spaniard and his idol, Tiger Woods, tells you how much respect he has for him. The only question is, are the feelings mutual?

The Spanish golfer has also always been a great admirer of his rival from the other side. In fact, Rahm had also recently acknowledged Scheffler for his incredible achievements in 2024.

Do Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler share mutual respect?

Despite moving to LIV Golf, the Spaniard had created some fond memories during his time on the PGA Tour. One of them obviously was his 2023 Masters win. And it was Scottie Scheffler who put on the Green Jacket for Jon Rahm. The two exchanged the stage again in 2024, when Rahm helped Scheffler into his second Jacket. They have also competed for the #1 rankings over the past couple of years.

Having said that, the Legion XIII captain had shared his views on the current world no. 1 before the 2025 Masters Tournament. Speaking in a press conference, he said, “What we’ve seen Scottie do over the last three, four years is quite impressive. His ball-striking level is outstanding. Anytime you have a year where you’re being compared to Tiger in his prime, I don’t think I need to add anything else to that. Winning nine times, winning majors, winning FedExCups, and just all-out being the best throughout the season is quite incredible.”

Just like Scheffler today, Rahm had also compared his rival with the 82x PGA Tour winning legend. Whether Scottie Scheffler or Jon Rahm are able to imitate the success of Tiger Woods is yet to be seen. But one thing is for sure, their contest at Quail Hollow this week can be a nail-biting one, considering both of them are fighting to lift their first Wanamaker Trophy.