LIV Golf’s latest sprint across the globe made stops in Hong Kong, Singapore and South Africa in three consecutive weeks. This week’s tournament at Midland’s Club in Steyn City marked the league’s first event on the African continent, and fans came out in droves.
Those fans got their money’s worth as well, with an opportunity to witness a heavyweight battle between two of LIV’s biggest names, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. On Sunday, Rahm erased DeChambeau’s three-shot lead by shooting an eight-under 65 to get to 26 under par.
DeChambeau shot a final-round 68 to also get to 26 under, sending the two into a playoff for the individual title. On the first playoff hole, the 651-yard par-5 18th, DeChambeau hit the green in two with a gorgeous fairway wood from the wet ground to the left of the fairway, giving him a nice look for eagle as Rahm found the greenside bunker.
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Sean Zak
Rahm left his putt in the bunker off DeChambeau’s mark, and when Rahm missed his birdie putt, DeChambeau had two shots to win, making his victory safe. DeChambeau hit his eagle putt on the range, securing his birdie and the win, making him the first back-to-back LIV winner since Talor Gooch won in Adelaide and Singapore in 2023.
DeChambeau was immediately overcome with emotion after putting in his putt, tearfully hugging his frame and, later, his Crushers GC teammates, who also secured a team victory, defeating local favorites Southern Guards GC by a single shot.
In his post-round interview, DeChambeau remained concerned about the source of his excitement.
“I wish I could tell you,” he said. “A lot has happened in the last week. I’m just so thankful for my team, the Crushers, everyone supporting me. It’s so funny, golf is a fickle game, and you work so hard your whole life, and you realize that golf is just golf and there’s a lot more to life than just golf.
“I had a few things happen in my time off this week, and I was just praying all day, praying that He would give me the tenacity to move forward and keep looking forward,” he continued. “I have to say I love everyone. Thanks for the support. South Africa was incredible. I mean, it has to be the best LIV event we’ve ever had.”
DeChambeau now has five individual LIV titles, and his team, the Crushers GC, leads the league with nine team wins.
The South African event is LIV Golf’s final tune-up before the Masters. The next stop is Mexico City, which will take place at Club de Golf Chapultepec April 16-19.
