Staff WriterLIV golfers in the Olympics? It’s not exactly a headline you’d have expected a few years ago, but that’s the buzz ahead of this weekend’s LIV Golf UK by JCB at the JCB Golf & Country Club in Uttoxeter, UK.
With seven newly minted Olympians in the field, the stage is set for a showdown that’s equal parts gentlemanly grace and ferocious competition.
These qualifiers—Adrian Meronk of Cleeks GC, Abraham Ancer and David Puig of Fireballs GC, Carlos Ortiz, Mito Pereira, and Captain Joaquín Niemann of Torque GC, along with Captain Jon Rahm of Legion XIII—have punched their tickets to Paris.
Even the serene British countryside can’t mask the thrill of watching such talent tee it up. Each player is an Olympian now, and they’re letting us in on the significance of representing their homelands under the Olympic flag.
David Puig’s Pride and Persistence
For David Puig, it’s a dream forged through dedication, airline miles, and countless swings across global fairways:
“It means the world to me. I put a lot of hard work and miles into this, travelling to different countries on the LIV and Asian Tour.
It’s paid off, and I’m super proud and excited to represent Spain next week,” he said, smiling in a way that suggests he’s just about ready to sprint onto the plane for Paris.
Mito Pereira’s Quest for a Medal
Chile’s Mito Pereira, now in his second Olympic campaign, can’t help but beam when talking about representing his country:
“It’s an honour to represent your country every time you can. We’ve been doing it since we were kids.
To do it in the Olympics is big for me. This is my second time playing, and I hope to get a medal for our country,” Pereira reflected a nod to the goals he’s had since junior golf.
Abraham Ancer’s Passion for National Pride
Abraham Ancer isn’t new to international competition, but the prospect of claiming Olympic glory remains as tempting as ever:
“It’s an honour. We don’t get to do this very often. Every opportunity to contribute with a medal for your country is special.
Carlos and I take it very seriously and are looking forward to Paris, hoping to come back with a medal. That’s the dream we have,” he explained, eyes alight with anticipation of another shot at the podium.
Joaquín Niemann’s Olympic Aspirations
For Joaquín Niemann, also representing Chile, another Olympic appearance means another shot at the sport’s highest stage:
“It’s super special for me. We’ve played in Japan and Chile for the Pan-American Games. Mito was close to getting a medal in Japan.
It’s going to be different in Paris, more open for spectators. I’m looking forward to that week and hopefully bringing back two medals,” he said, clearly relishing the thought of bigger galleries and bigger possibilities.
Carlos Ortiz’s Honor and Motivation
Carlos Ortiz echoed his fellow Fireballs member, Abraham Ancer, emphasizing the unity and pride of playing under Mexico’s banner:
“It’s an honour representing your country. Doing it in Paris with spectators will be great.
Every chance to represent your country is an honor, and it adds extra motivation knowing your country is behind you,” he noted, a reminder that this is bigger than a personal accolade—it’s a national one.
Jon Rahm’s Perspective on Olympic Gold
Jon Rahm, captain of Legion XIII, adds a philosophical edge to the conversation. For him, the Olympics are a relatively new frontier for golf, and he’s all in:
“It’s a different answer for many golfers because it’s not something we grew up knowing was a possibility.
To be part of it is special. Winning a gold medal is arguably one of the most impressive feats in sports.
To add to your country’s medal count is something special,” he explained, noting how this once-unthinkable opportunity has arrived in their careers.
On where an Olympic medal might fit among his achievements, Rahm is candid:
“It’s hard to say where a gold medal would rank among my successes. It’s a new experience for us in golf, and its significance might grow over time.
If I win, I’ll have a clearer perspective on its place in my career,” he admitted, leaving the door open for Olympic history to shape his legacy.
On Olympic Qualification Challenges
Not every qualifier will make it to Paris, as evidenced by Joost Luiten’s situation. Rahm expressed empathy:
“I don’t really know the qualifying criteria. I know for other sports it’s different.
We do it based on World Rankings. It’s unfortunate if he did qualify, for him not to be able to go.”
The behind-the-scenes complexity, it seems, can be just as intricate as a 240-yard approach from a fairway bunker.
Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup Memories
Rahm also looked back at his unforgettable triumph over Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup:
“It was my first ever Ryder Cup point, so it ranks very high. To win my first Ryder Cup point on Sunday against Tiger, it’s quite unique. It’s going to be very high up there.”
For a man who might soon add an Olympic medal to his trophy case, that’s lofty praise indeed.
Scepticism About Golf in the Olympics
With golf still a relatively fresh face in the Games, Rahm acknowledged the critics. Meanwhile, Abraham Ancer weighed in on the question of professionalism:
“Michael Phelps isn’t a professional? LeBron James isn’t a professional?
It’s hard to say.
Did Neymar win the gold medal for his country in Brazil? I understand if the Olympics want to have impactful sport and viewership, you’re going to have to have the most impactful players.”
In other words, golf—and its biggest names—are right where they belong.
Representing Spain
Ancer, who has Spanish roots as well, spoke about how representing Spain has resonated throughout his career:
“I’ve been able to do it luckily in many stages throughout my career, as an amateur and as a pro.
To once more in a different stage be able to do it is so special. If me and David can end up with a medal, that would be absolutely incredible.”
It’s a sentiment that underscores the camaraderie between golfers who might otherwise be locked in fierce competition.
Discussions About Olympic Medals
Asked if he’s ever grilled Justin Rose about what it’s like to win Olympic gold, Ancer confessed:
“I have not, no. Probably should have. He won it right when I turned pro and I didn’t know Justin yet. It would be interesting to hear the answer.”
For a handful of these athletes, that conversation may soon become more personal than they ever anticipated.
David Puig’s Climb to the Top
In the eyes of Abraham Ancer, David Puig’s relentless pursuit of a spot on the world stage deserves admiration:
“When I signed up to play LIV Golf, he was telling me how he wanted to earn these rankings points to be in the majors and play the Olympics.
To come in clutch and do it was quite special. I’m really excited to be his partner.”
A tip of the cap to the newcomer who’s arrived ahead of schedule.
The Road to Paris and Beyond
All told, the build-up to the Paris Olympics has these LIV golfers in Olympics conversations for good reason.
Their upcoming weekend at JCB Golf & Country Club serves as the perfect prelude—a place to sharpen their skills and, perhaps, sneak in a little bragging rights.
Yes, the setting remains serene, but the stakes are mighty. Medals, national pride, and the chance to leave an indelible mark on golf’s evolving Olympic story hang in the balance. In the words of Jon Rahm: “It’s a dream come true, a dream that became a possibility only eight years ago. It’s quite special.”
And if he brings home the hardware, it’ll be more than special—it’ll be historic.
