MEXICO CITY (AP) — Jon Rahm concluded a tumultuous week on the LIV Golf circuit by carding a final round of 7-under 64 on Sunday, securing a dominant six-stroke triumph at LIV Golf Mexico City, marking his second victory this year within the Saudi-backed league.
Rahm had navigated the entirety of the previous season on LIV without a win, though he did secure the overall points championship. He had also faced prior disappointment in 2017 at Chapultepec Golf Club during its time as a World Golf Championship venue.
This time, any uncertainty was dispelled after he notched a birdie on the accessible par-4 second hole, swiftly followed by holing out for an eagle on the subsequent hole. His performance was flawless, without a single bogey.
The golfer expressed his astonishment, stating that if someone had predicted his six-shot win the previous Thursday, he would have dismissed it given his recent poor play, referring to his tie for 38th at the Masters. He characterized his effort as “truly remarkable.”
The entire week had been marked by considerable ambiguity surrounding the Saudi-funded professional golf league. Its CEO, Scott O’Neil, circulated an internal memo to staff, affirming that LIV’s financial backing was secured through the current year, addressing ongoing media reports questioning the league’s economic viability.
LIV confirmed on Sunday that it intends to return to Chapultepec the following year.
Further fueling speculation was a power failure on Tuesday. The live broadcast also suffered an interruption for two hours during the initial round. Subsequently, Bryson DeChambeau withdrew from the concluding round, citing a wrist ailment he wished to avoid exacerbating.
DeChambeau, who was attempting to achieve an unprecedented third consecutive win on LIV Golf, was trailing Rahm by 16 strokes when he ceased play.
In a message posted on social media, DeChambeau explained that he had “experienced some discomfort” in his wrist during Saturday’s round and decided to pull out of the LIV Golf Mexico City finale to “prevent further injury.” He conveyed that this was “not the desired outcome” for his week.
DeChambeau indicated he would undergo medical assessment and expressed optimism about participating in LIV Golf Virginia, scheduled for May 7-10, one week prior to the PGA Championship.
Rahm progressed steadily throughout, a sentiment echoed by his Legion XIII team, who achieved their first team victory of the year.
David Puig posted a 66 to secure second place, earning crucial world ranking points and effectively guaranteeing his entry into the PGA Championship. The Spanish player is positioned favorably enough that another strong showing in Virginia could potentially secure him a spot in the U.S. Open.
