The Crushers GC captain, who carded a 5‑under‑par 66 in regulation, sealed the victory with a moment of brilliance on the first playoff hole.
After pulling his drive into muddy rough and taking relief from temporary water, DeChambeau launched a stunning fairway‑wood approach that flew hole‑high and settled just 12 feet from the cup for an eagle opportunity. When Rahm failed to save par from a greenside bunker, DeChambeau needed only two putts to complete the win, capturing his fifth career LIV Golf title.
As the winning putt dropped, an emotional DeChambeau paid tribute to the South African (SA) fans. “I’ve just got to say I love everybody. Thank you for supporting. SA was unbelievable. Got to be the best LIV event we’ve ever had,” he said.
Rahm, chasing a second victory in three weeks, forced the playoff with a superb 8‑under‑63, tied for the low round of the day. His performance signals formidable form heading into the major‑championship stretch.
On the team leaderboard, Crushers GC completed a remarkable comeback to edge out the home favourites, Southern Guards GC, by a single shot. Trailing by nine strokes after the front nine, the Crushers surged with a combined 21‑under‑par final‑round performance.
Anirban Lahiri led the charge with a clutch 8‑under‑63, matching Rahm for the day’s best round. Paul Casey and Charles Howell III each added 4‑under‑67s. The victory marks the Crushers’ ninth regular‑season team win, making them the most successful team in LIV Golf history.
“It is huge for our momentum,” DeChambeau said. “We just needed a bit of time, and now we are showing our true colours.”
Southern Guards star Dean Burmester, who shot a 5‑under‑66 to finish tied sixth, said he was proud despite the narrow defeat. “A little gutted we did not get it done, but I am proud to be South African,” he said.
–SABC/ChannelAfrica–
