Jon Rahm sealed a remarkable victory at LIV Golf Mexico City on Sunday, finishing with a stellar 7-under 64. This triumph earned him a six-shot lead, marking his second win of the year on the LIV tour.
Last season, Rahm had struggled to secure a victory despite clinching the points title, and he had fond memories of disappointment from 2017 at Chapultepec Golf Club during the World Golf Championship. However, this time, he started strong with a birdie on the par-4 second hole and followed up by making an eagle on the next hole, playing without a single bogey throughout the round.
"If you would have told me last week on Thursday afternoon that I'd be winning by a six-shot margin this week, I would not have believed you because of how bad I played," said Rahm, reflecting on his recent form which saw him tie for 38th at the Masters. "Hell of an effort."
This week has not only been about golf for the players but also marked with unsettling moments surrounding the future of the Saudi-funded league. LIV Golf's CEO Scott O'Neil reassured staff in a memo that the tour has secured its funding through the end of the year, which comes in light of swirling rumors about the league's financial stability.
Alongside the uncertainty, technical difficulties arose this week, including a power outage that led to a two-hour interruption in streaming during the opening round. Further drama included Bryson DeChambeau’s withdrawal from the final round due to a wrist injury, a blow to his hopes of becoming the first player to achieve three consecutive LIV Golf victories. At the time of his withdrawal, DeChambeau was trailing Rahm by 16 strokes.
"I experienced some discomfort in my wrist during yesterday's round and have decided to withdraw from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City to prevent further injury," DeChambeau explained in a social media update, conveying his frustration with how the week ultimately unfolded.
Despite the turmoil surrounding him, Rahm remained focused on his game, leading his team, Legion XIII, to their first victory of the season. His performance was not only a personal triumph but also a boost for teammate David Puig, who finished the tournament with a solid 66, placing him second and earning vital world ranking points. This positioning nearly solidifies his spot at the PGA Championship and puts him in contention for the U.S. Open with another strong showing in Virginia.
In this hectic week of golf characterized by ups and downs, Rahm's stellar performance served as a reminder of his capabilities and determination in the competitive landscape of LIV Golf. With plans for next year's return to Chapultepec already announced, anticipation builds for the events to come.
