Jon Rahm demonstrated remarkable composure to conclude his debut year in the LIV Golf League with a four-under 66, securing victory in the final individual event at LIV Golf Chicago. This triumph also enabled him to clinch the season points title and an $18 million bonus. Rahm missed a couple of short birdie putts on the back nine, which kept Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in contention. However, he sank a 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, giving him a three-shot lead heading into the last hole at Bolingbrook Golf Course. Rahm's victory marked his second win in the LIV Golf series, following his title in England last month. In between these victories, he lost in a playoff to Brooks Koepka.
Niemann, a two-time winner at the beginning of the season, was the only player who could have challenged Rahm for the season title. He started strong with two early birdies but could never take the lead, narrowing the gap to two shots after a birdie on the 15th and a crucial par save on the 16th. Niemann shot 66, while Garcia shot 68, resulting in a tie for second place. "I aimed to put on a good show and finish strong. I'm truly delighted," said Rahm, who admitted to feeling nervous on the practice range. "To remain bogey-free over the weekend is quite remarkable. I'm particularly proud of the putt on the 17th, which made the 18th much easier."
The Crushers secured the team title, featuring team member Anirban Lahiri from Dubai, and will advance to the Team Championship in the Dallas area next week, marking the conclusion of the third season. Rahm, who finished at 11 under 199, earned $4 million from the tournament and an additional $18 million for winning the season race. Lahiri shot rounds of 67, 71, and 67 for a 54-hole total of 205, tying for sixth place, while Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) shot a final round 74 along with rounds of 71 and 65, finishing tied for 23rd. In the season-long Individual Standings, Lahiri placed 16th, and Meronk finished one spot behind in 17th.
The final event of the LIV Golf season is the 14th event of the season—the LIV Golf Team Championship, scheduled for September 20th–22nd, 2024, at Maridoe GC in Dallas, Texas. Crushers GC leads the Team Standings, followed by Legion XIII, Ripper GC, and Smash GC, all of which receive byes for the first round. The top 12 teams are seeded for next week, with the 13th team, Iron Heads GC, captained by Kevin Na, not competing but attending the event in Dallas. For more information, visit www.LIVGolf.com.
Results:
Individual (7131 Yards, Par 70): Rahm 69, 64, 66, 199; Niemann 68, 68, 66, 202; Garcia 69, 65, 68, 202; Hatton 73, 65, 65, 203.
Team (Best 3 from 4 scores for the first two rounds—all four scores to count in the final round): Crushers GC – 14; Legion XIII – 13; Fireballs GC – 12.
