The tumult of the past week for LIV Golf culminated in a dramatic finish as Jon Rahm breezed to victory at the organization’s event in Mexico City, winning by six strokes.
Rahm’s impressive performance at Chapultepec Golf Club was a bright spot amidst swirling reports regarding the future of LIV Golf’s financial backing by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The concerns stemmed from a newly introduced investment strategy that hinted at the PIF potentially reevaluating its ongoing support after the 2026 season.
In a statement, the PIF indicated that the new strategy for 2026-30 represents a shift towards sustainable value creation, focusing on efficiency, governance, and transparency. Nevertheless, sources within LIV Golf reassured players that funding and operations would continue as planned.
Reflecting on the uncertainty, LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil remarked in an interview with British broadcaster TNT, “The reality is you’re funded through the season and then you work like crazy to create a business and a business plan to keep us going.”
As for the competition, Rahm wasn’t fazed by the surrounding turmoil. He achieved his second win of the season with a final score of 21 under par, buoyed by a stellar bogey-free final round of seven-under 64. His performance was highlighted by a remarkable 390-yard drive that set up a tap-in eagle on the par-4 third hole. "Obviously a massive bonus to hit a drive to tap-in in any conditions anywhere ever," Rahm said. "That was huge and kind of freed me up a little bit to play the next few holes still aggressive."
Despite recent struggles at the Masters, where he opened with a disappointing 78, Rahm showed resilience as he noted, “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. Hell of an effort, and just what a Sunday.”
Rahm acknowledged that a swing issue persisted leading up to this event but improved significantly thanks to a breakthrough during practice at Augusta. "Yeah [my caddie] and I nearly got in a heated argument on Saturday on the putting green at Augusta when he was trying to explain something and I wasn’t fully understanding," Rahm shared. "Once it clicked what he was trying to say… it’s only gotten a little bit easier since then.”
Finishing at 15 under par, fellow Spaniard David Puig claimed second place while Josele Ballester rounded out the top three at 14 under. Puig is now in contention for a U.S. Open exemption, with his recent finishes placing him close to earning a spot. "With that second place, hopefully I’m a little closer to the top 60 [on the OWGR], as well, in case that exemption doesn’t come through," Puig commented, adding, "Playing majors is just amazing."
For Rahm, the victory also comes with implications for his world ranking. With LIV Golf now receiving Official World Golf Ranking points, he could see his position rise back into the top 20.
Amidst the victory celebration, former world No. 1 Bryson DeChambeau chimed in about the competition saying, "This golf course, you’ve always got to be on your watch... unfortunately with it being so difficult out here and everybody playing so well, that can go real quick. You’ve got to be on top of your game no matter what."
With Rahm atop the leaderboard, LIV Golf's future may still be uncertain, but for now, they can celebrate not only a successful event in Mexico City but also the continued excitement of competition as the season progresses.