DeChambeau beats Rahm in play-off; Crushers GC wins team title at LIV Golf South Africa
- LIV Golf
- 17 hours ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Bryson DeChambeau came to LIV Golf South Africa wanting to entertain new fans and help grow the game in a country he had never previously visited. The Crushers GC captain finished the week achieving his goals while sweeping both trophies – even if it meant breaking the hearts of the locals that embraced him as one of their own.
DeChambeau defeated Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm on the first play-off hole to win his second consecutive LIV Golf individual title via playoff while his Crushers rallied to beat the home favorite Southern Guards GC by one stroke for the team title, their league-record ninth regular-season trophy.
The victory at Steyn City left DeChambeau in tears, a fitting end to an emotional tournament from multiple perspectives, driven in large part by the passionate South Africans fans that turned the event into the country’s biggest golf tournament. South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa was on hand to congratulate DeChambeau on his victory, with DeChambeau responding by congratulating the country’s leader on the success of the tournament, with more than 100 000 tickets sold.
“Just got to say I love everybody. Thank you for supporting,” DeChambeau said. “South Africa was unbelievable. I mean, got to be the best LIV event we've ever had.”
The country and the league plan to build on that momentum, with the announcement prior to the start of Sunday’s final round that LIV Golf South Africa will return to Steyn City in 2027, with the dates set for April 22-25.
“This is more than golf. This is about our country,” said Gayton McKenzie, the South African Minister of Sport, Art and Culture who was instrumental in bringing the league to his homeland. “What LIV Golf has done, they've showcased our country like nothing I've ever seen.”
The success of the tournament should help to soothe any disappointment felt by Louis Oosthuizen and his Southern Guards, who seemed poised to win the team title thanks to quick starts by Dean Burmester, who birdied his first four holes and Branden Grace, who birdied three of his first four. As the midpoint of the final round approached, the Southern Guards led by nine strokes.
But as the South Africans cooled off, DeChambeau and his Crushers heated up. Anirban Lahiri posted his second consecutive 8-under 63, tying for the low round of the day, while Charles Howell III and Paul Casey each played their final 12 holes in a bogey-free 4 under.
When Lahiri ended his round with a birdie and Casey birdied his last two holes, the Crushers took the lead. Schwartzel, who battled back issues all week, provided a last-gasp birdie but it wasn’t enough. The Southern Guards finished at 75-under – on any previous LIV Golf tournament, it would’ve been the winning score – while the Crushers won with a record 76-under.
Grace, who tied for third at 23-under, was in the final group with DeChambeau and realized down the stretch that he could force a potential team play-off by playing one stroke better than the Crushers captain. But rainy conditions in the final few holes made it difficult to play catch-up. DeChambeau saved par on the par-5 18th after an errant tee shot while Grace couldn’t convert the lengthy birdie attempt from 27 feet to tie.
“I knew the last couple of holes it was kind of like between Bryson and myself and he just at the end of the day made one better up-and-down than I did,” Grace said. “What a phenomenal up-and-down he made on 18. Listen, it's one of the best weeks of my life, in my golfing career and to be able to spend it with three of my best mates is phenomenal.”
As for DeChambeau, he returned to the 18th to face off against Rahm, who produced a spectacular 8-under 63 to force a play-off at 26 under after starting the day three strokes behind.
DeChambeau once again hit his drive left into the mud but after receiving relief, he used a spectacular 3-wood from 295 yards to set up an eagle putt from 12 feet. Rahm, meanwhile, found the bunker with his second shot, and blasted out to 15 feet for his birdie attempt. He missed the putt, allowing DeChambeau to two-putt for birdie for his fifth LIV Golf individual win, tying him for second-most in league history.
“It's been a tough few weeks,” said DeChambeau, sitting among his three Crushers teammates in the post-round press conference. “It's not always sunshine and rainbows. But I can tell you that having these three great people up here and my caddie and the team around me really helped me persevere on through tough moments.
“A lot of it was just stuff that I can't really explain but ultimately, I'll tell you that I'm super-grateful for how this has all played out and I'm super-emotional.”
Knowing that they denied the home-standing Southern Guards a team victory on an otherwise successful week for the South Africans wasn’t lost on the winners. Casey made it a point to tell a disappointed Oosthuizen after the round how much the week had meant for the league as a whole.
“I love winning but sometimes you feel bad,” said Casey, whose father grew up in Cape Town. “You’re like, I’m rooting for them as well. Louis should be so proud. What he and Charl and Gracie and Dean accomplished this week is a victory.
“I know we pipped them. But they said, hey, we’re thinking there could be a LIV event in South Africa. We believe in this – and they made it happen. We have to thank them. Everybody at LIV should thank them for the energy they put into this, the relationships they have. I mean, the President is here.
“And the fans turned out. They were amazing. I’m like, sorry for winning but I want to thank them for what they’ve done.”
Earlier on Sunday LIV Golf announced the dates for LIV Golf South Africa 2027, confirming its return to the region next year. The event will take place from 22-25 April and once again be hosted at The Club at Steyn City as it builds on the more than 100 000 fans welcomed to this week’s debut event, marking the highest attended professional golf event in South African history.
The announcement was made ahead of Sunday morning’s final round during a press conference with South Africa Minister of Sport, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, Southern Guards GC General Manager Richard Glover representing the South African home team, and Steyn City Properties CEO, Steven Louw.
LIV Golf South Africa has quickly established itself as a flagship event on the LIV Golf calendar, with capacity crowds taking in the event at Steyn City.
O’Neil said: “Our return to South Africa in 2027 is a proud moment for LIV Golf. The success of this week’s inaugural event reaffirmed what we’ve long known - South Africa is home to a vibrant golf culture, worldclass talent, and fans whose passion elevates the game. I want to thank Minister McKenzie, Southern Guards GC, Steyn City and all our partners who brought this vision to life. LIV Golf South Africa has quickly established itself as a marquee event on our global schedule, delivering real economic impact and meaningful community engagement. The market has embraced LIV Golf with undeniable passion and will be a cornerstone for us for years to come.”
McKenzie said: “The success of LIV Golf South Africa this week is a powerful demonstration of what our country can deliver on the global stage. Hosting an event of this calibre not only showcases South Africa’s world-class sporting infrastructure but also highlights the strength of our tourism, hospitality and creative industries. This is about more than golf, it’s about economic opportunity, job creation and inspiring the next generation of South African athletes. We are proud to welcome LIV Golf back to Steyn City in 2027 as we continue to position South Africa as a premier destination for international sport and entertainment.”
Louw added: “To host the inaugural league event on African soil and take it forward to 2027 is both an honour and a milestone of real significance for Steyn City. Being part of the shared vision that Africa is integral to the league’s global standing, reinforces our commitment to developing a world-class lifestyle estate and our belief that South Africa belongs on the international stage of premier sport and entertainment.”
“Seeing LIV Golf come to South Africa this week has been incredibly special for our team. The energy from the fans and the atmosphere at Steyn City have shown just how passionate this country is about world-class golf. As Southern Guards, having the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd means a great deal to everyone involved with the team. It’s a proud moment to see LIV Golf establish South Africa as a key stop on the global schedule and we’re excited to continue building that connection with fans when the event returns in 2027,” Glover stated.
Available ticket offerings, including hospitality options, with limited inventory include:
Grounds Pass: Experience the tournament from the ropes as you walk alongside the world’s most elite competitors including Rahm, DeChambeau and Southern Guards stars Oosthuizen, Schwartzel, Burmester and Grace, with complimentary admission for children aged 12 and under, accompanied by an adult.
Grounds Plus: Fans interested in elevating their experience have access to exclusive viewing platforms across the course's most sought-after spots and entry to The Oasis, a shaded, open-air retreat with private amenities.
Party Hole: The Lion’s Den
The Guards Club: Situated just off the back of the 17th green, The Guards Club offers fans the perfect blend of premium hospitality and party hole vibes, giving attendees the ideal vantage point to track the approach shots with all-inclusive premium food and drink offerings.
Eagle’s View: The perfect perch for front row action at the party hole. Surrounding the left side of the tee-box with elevated seating and a shaded lounge, with a dedicated bar to purchase drinks, Eagle’s View is the place to be to feel everything the party hole on the 17th has to offer.
Pride’s Nest: This is the melting pot of the party hole experience where fans can enjoy unmatched views of the player walk-ups and take in all the action from a shaded, open-air section situated just off the right side of the tee box, with all-inclusive food and beverage included.
Ubuntu Point: Ideal location on the 9th green with shade and scenic views over the course with food and beverage offerings available for purchase.
Club 54: Indulge in the tournament's most premium experience, featuring chef-driven menus and a dedicated bar within an exclusive, air-conditioned lounge positioned directly on the 18th green. All food and beverage offerings are included with ticket purchase.
Across its 14-event global schedule, LIV Golf events have generated more than $1-billion in economic impact for host cities worldwide, supporting tourism, hospitality and local communities while delivering international broadcast reach of more than 900-million.
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