DeChambeau Wins LIV Golf South Africa, Breaks Down in Tears | Back-to-Back Titles

Bryson DeChambeau secured his second consecutive victory on the LIV Golf circuit, winning a play-off against Jon Rahm at the inaugural LIV Golf South Africa event held at Steyn City in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Both DeChambeau and Rahm concluded the 72-hole tournament at 26 under par, necessitating a sudden-death play-off. DeChambeau clinched the win by birdying the first extra hole, following his recent triumph in Singapore, which was also decided in a play-off. The victory earns DeChambeau a £3m ($4m) first prize.

The American golfer, 32, visibly broke down in tears after the win, expressing profound gratitude. “I wish I could tell you why I am so emotional,” DeChambeau said, according to reports. “A lot had happened in my life in the last week, I am so grateful for my team and everybody supporting me.” He also reflected on the nature of golf, stating, “Golf is a fickle game, you work so hard at it your whole life and then you realise golf is just golf.”

The decisive moment came on the par-five 18th hole during the play-off. After his tee shot landed in a muddied area due to torrential rain, DeChambeau executed a powerful second shot with a wood, placing the ball centrally on the green. Rahm’s response saw his second shot find a greenside bunker, ultimately leading to a three-putt attempt. Rahm’s birdie putt narrowly missed, leaving DeChambeau needing two putts to secure the victory. His eagle putt stopped just short of the hole, but he successfully tapped in for the win.

This marks DeChambeau’s second consecutive win on the LIV Golf tour, after Richard T Lee missed a short putt in Singapore last weekend, handing DeChambeau the title. The LIV Golf series will continue with its sixth event in Mexico, scheduled to initiate on April 16th.