Smash GC Captain Brooks Koepka has extended his LIV Golf record by clinching the 54-hole $25 million LIV Golf Greenbrier, securing his fifth individual title. For the third time, Koepka emerged victorious through a playoff. His win on Sunday at The Old White course held extra significance due to his opponent. Koepka outplayed Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm on the first playoff hole with a par, marking a thrilling conclusion. This marks their first head-to-head since Rahm joined LIV Golf in the offseason, evoking memories of the final round at the 2023 Masters, albeit with a contrasting result.
Koepka now boasts five wins out of the 31 LIV Golf regular-season tournaments he has participated in, with no other player claiming more than three victories. He expressed that Sunday's win was his most cherished. "I believe this one held a bit more significance, especially considering the recent matches against Jon and his victory at Augusta," Koepka commented. "I was determined to best him. He delivered an exceptional performance today. His finish was incredibly clutch, and it was a joy to witness his prowess this week."
Koepka's Smash team also secured the team title, equaling a LIV Golf record with a 53 under total counting score, edging out Ripper GC by three strokes. Koepka and Jason Kokrak spearheaded the team with scores of seven under 63, while Talor Gooch shot a 69. Substitute player John Catlin, stepping in for Graeme McDowell, posted a 67. Koepka strung together three consecutive birdies on his back nine, leading by two shots with three holes remaining. However, Rahm caught up with birdies on 16 and 17. Both players parred the 157-yard par-3 18th, necessitating a replay in the playoff. Koepka's tee shot positioned him for a 25-foot birdie putt, whereas Rahm landed in the back bunker, facing an awkward lie. Despite Koepka missing his birdie attempt, Rahm failed to save par.
In the season-long LIV Golf Individual Standings, Rahm has surpassed Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann, setting the stage for a showdown for the 2024 Individual Championship next month at LIV Golf Chicago, while Koepka has a remote chance at securing the bonus-paying third place. Dubai-based players Anirban Lahiri (Crushers GC) and Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) both finished tied for 42nd at four under par. Lahiri shot rounds of 70, 71, and 65, while Meronk posted rounds of 66, 72, and 68. Meronk ranks 16th and Lahiri 18th in the season-long Individual Standings. The Crushers lead the Team Standings by a mere 0.5 point, with the Cleeks in eighth place.