Bryson DeChambeau* | -26 |
Jon Rahm | -26 |
Thomas Detry | -23 |
Abraham Ancer | -23 |
Branden Grace | -23 |
*won in playoff | |
|
Bryson DeChambeau produced a moment of brilliance in a playoff against Jon Rahm to win the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa at The Club at Steyn City and secure back-to-back titles.
The LIV Golf superstars finished tied at 26-under par after a thrilling final round. Rahm surged into contention with a sensational 8-under 63, while DeChambeau carded a composed 66 to force extra holes.
But the tournament was decided in stunning fashion on the first playoff hole, the par-5 18th. From the rough, DeChambeau struck a superb fairway wood to just 15 feet for eagle, putting immediate pressure on Rahm.
When the Spaniard failed to convert his birdie opportunity, an emotional DeChambeau was left with the simple task of two-putting for a winning birdie — which he duly delivered to seal his fifth LIV Golf title.
After winning the tournament, DeChambeau explained he was emotional about this victory as a result of some things that have happened in his life lately.
“I wish I could tell you. A lot has happened in my life the past week. I’m just so grateful for my team, the Crushers, everybody supporting me. It’s so funny, golf is a fickle game, and you work so hard at it your whole entire life, and you realize that golf is just golf and there’s a lot more to life than just golf. I had some things happen in the off time during this week, and I was just praying all day, praying to give me the perseverance to move forward and keep looking forward. I’ve just got to say I love everybody. Thank you for supporting. South Africa was unbelievable. I mean, got to be the best LIV event we’ve ever had.”
Watch DeChambeau’s comments in full here:
The 32-year-old American has now won in consecutive weeks following his victory in Singapore and heads into The Masters as one of the form players in world golf.
The victory marks the first time DeChambeau has gone back to back since 2018 (The Northern Trust, Dell Technologies Championship – PGA Tour).
Rahm, however, is not far behind as he gears up for the season’s first major from 9-12 April.
The Spaniard claimed victory in Hong Kong just two weeks ago and will arrive at Augusta National in equally impressive form.
Jon Rahm
Rahm will be chasing a second Green Jacket having won The Masters in 2023, while DeChambeau continues his bid for a first. Both players boast two major titles.
Behind the leading duo, Thomas Detry, Abraham Ancer and South African favourite Branden Grace shared third place on 23-under par. Dean Burmester and David Puig finished a shot further back in a tie for sixth.
In the team competition, it was double delight for DeChambeau as his Crushers GC — featuring himself, Charles Howell III, Paul Casey and Anirban Lahiri — claimed a narrow one-shot victory over the home side, Southern Guards GC, finishing at 76-under par. It marked the team’s first win of the 2026 season.
The event itself proved a resounding success. More than 100,000 fans attended the debut tournament, making it the most attended professional golf event in South African history.
LIV Golf has already confirmed the tournament will return to Steyn City from 22–25 April 2027, underlining its rapid emergence as a marquee stop on the global calendar.
LIV Golf South Africa proved a huge hit
Speaking ahead of the final round, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil praised South Africa’s “vibrant golf culture” and passionate fans, while Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie highlighted the tournament’s wider economic and cultural impact.
The LIV Golf season now pauses for The Masters, with the next event scheduled for Mexico City from 16–19 April.
