In an exhilarating showdown at the LIV Golf South Africa, Bryson DeChambeau clinched victory over Jon Rahm in a dramatic playoff held on March 22, 2026, at The Club at Steyn City in Midrand. DeChambeau's performance was highlighted by a par-saving putt on the final hole, allowing him to finish the final round with a remarkable score of 6-under 65.
Before heading into the playoff, both players displayed commendable skill throughout the day. DeChambeau and Rahm ended their rounds at 26-under par, necessitating a playoff to determine the winner. DeChambeau’s solid play was showcased when, as the crowd sang the national anthem, he was just off the 18th green needing to save par and create the playoff opportunity against Rahm, who carded a 63.
"I was just trying to focus on making sure I could get up-and-down," said DeChambeau, reflecting on the pressure of that pivotal moment. He executed beautifully, navigating a wet course and managing to pull off a crucial three-wood shot from a difficult lie left of the fairway. His ability to handle tough conditions set the stage for his winning birdie.
After forcing a playoff, DeChambeau returned to the par-5 18th for the decisive hole where he faced a challenging lie. Despite the tricky conditions, he managed to get his next shot onto the green, leaving him with a reasonable birdie chance from 12 feet. Rahm, who found himself in a bunker after hitting from the fairway, faced difficulties of his own, hitting out and missing his own birdie attempt.
"I thought I had it read perfectly, but it just didn’t break as I expected," Rahm commented post-round on his missed opportunity, underscoring the mental challenges golfing conditions often present. With that missed putt, DeChambeau had two putts to seal his victory, ultimately leaving his eagle attempt just short.
This victory marks DeChambeau's fifth title in LIV Golf, joining a select group of players with at least that many wins, which includes Joaquin Niemann with seven titles and Brooks Koepka, who has also secured five but is currently back on the PGA Tour. DeChambeau's impressive form comes just before the Masters, amplifying the importance of his recent performances.
Looking ahead, DeChambeau’s win positions him as a strong contender for the upcoming Masters, where he will aim to leverage this momentum amidst an elite group of competitors. As the golfing season progresses, DeChambeau's performance in South Africa sets a high benchmark for his next challenge on the tour.