Bryson DeChambeau is on a roll. The big-hitting American captured the LIV Golf South Africa title at The Club at Steyn City, winning a dramatic playoff over Jon Rahm after both players finished regulation tied at 26-under par. It marks a back-to-back victory for DeChambeau on the LIV circuit and further cements his status as one of the most dominant players on the tour.
The event, played March 19-22, also marked LIV Golf’s first-ever visit to South Africa — a significant milestone in the tour’s ongoing global expansion.
The Playoff
After 72 holes of regulation play — a notable change for LIV in 2026, which has expanded from its previous 54-hole format — DeChambeau and Rahm were locked together at 26-under 258. The playoff returned to the par-5 18th hole, where DeChambeau’s power advantage proved decisive.
Rahm found a greenside bunker with his approach, while DeChambeau gave himself a birdie opportunity. The former US Open champion converted for birdie to claim the $4 million winner’s share of the $20 million purse, leaving Rahm to settle for second place in what had been a riveting head-to-head battle throughout the final round.
DeChambeau’s Final-Round 66
DeChambeau entered the final round trailing but fired a blistering 66 on Sunday to catch Rahm. His ball-striking was precise, his putting was clinical, and his ability to generate distance off the tee on Steyn City’s generous fairways gave him birdie opportunities that most of the field simply could not reach.
The victory showcases the evolution of DeChambeau’s game. Once known primarily for his prodigious length off the tee, he has developed a more complete skillset that combines that power with improved accuracy and a sharper short game — a combination that is making him increasingly difficult to beat.
Crushers Sweep Team Title
The story extended beyond the individual competition. DeChambeau’s Crushers GC also claimed the team title, completing a sweep of both trophies at the event. The team victory came down to the wire, with the Southern Guards — fueled by the energy of a hometown South African crowd — leading by as many as nine shots at one point on Sunday before the Crushers mounted a remarkable comeback to win by a single stroke.
The team collapse and subsequent rally added an extra layer of drama to an already electric final round, and the Crushers’ ability to close the gap under pressure reflected the competitive culture that DeChambeau has built within his squad.
LIV Goes to 72 Holes
One of the major storylines of the 2026 LIV Golf season has been the expansion to 72-hole events, bringing the tour’s format in line with traditional professional golf tournaments. The change has been widely viewed as a positive step for the tour’s credibility and competitiveness, giving players more time to make up ground and creating the kind of extended drama that fans associate with premier golf events.
The South Africa event demonstrated the value of the format change perfectly. DeChambeau’s ability to come from behind over four rounds, rather than three, was directly enabled by the additional round — and the resulting playoff provided the kind of climactic finish that enhances the LIV product.
LIV’s Global Footprint Expands
The South Africa stop represents LIV Golf’s continued push to establish itself as a truly global circuit. By bringing a major professional golf event to Steyn City, the tour has opened up a new market and given South African golf fans — who have produced some of the sport’s greatest players — the chance to watch world-class competition on home soil.
However, the event was not without controversy. Some observers noted the absence of Sunshine Tour players from the field, with commentators suggesting that future editions should find a way to include local professionals to strengthen the connection between LIV and the South African golf community.
What’s Next
DeChambeau now sits near the top of the LIV Golf individual standings and will carry significant momentum into the next event. With Rahm, Cameron Smith, Tyrrell Hatton, and the rest of the LIV roster looking to close the gap, the battle for individual supremacy on the 2026 circuit is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the tour’s short history.
