Sergio Garcia banks £3.1m LIV Golf win after staggering choke from Bryson DeChambeau’s teammate
**Sergio Garcia Secures LIV Golf Victory in Dramatic Fashion After Anirban Lahiri’s Unfortunate Miss**
In a stunning turn of events at the LIV Golf event held at Valderrama, Spain, Sergio Garcia achieved a remarkable victory, marking his first win on the LIV Golf Tour. The triumph, however, was colored by an extraordinary and somewhat dramatic sequence of events, particularly involving Anirban Lahiri, who missed a crucial putt that could have secured his own win.
Garcia’s win came after a tense and thrilling final round where he managed to mount an impressive comeback. Entering the final round seven shots behind the leader, Garcia played a flawless round of five-under par, which enabled him to force a playoff. Despite Garcia’s impressive performance, the situation should have been decidedly different. Lahiri, a member of Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers team, had a seemingly unbeatable lead. However, in a shocking display of nerves, Lahiri missed a putt that was only 18 inches from the hole, an error that allowed Garcia to enter the playoff.
The missed putt on the last hole of regulation play proved to be a crucial turning point. Lahiri’s failure to convert the seemingly easy shot not only squandered his chance at victory but also extended the competition into an overtime playoff, a scenario that few had anticipated. The missed opportunity was particularly stinging for Lahiri, who had recently experienced a similar setback. He had missed out on qualifying for the Open Championship due to a playoff loss in the final qualifying event, which was also a significant blow to his competitive aspirations.
The playoff itself was a dramatic affair. Garcia, who had previously faced defeat in three playoffs since joining LIV Golf in 2022, was determined to make this opportunity count. The pressure of the situation seemed to weigh heavily on Lahiri, who faltered during the playoff. Garcia, on the other hand, exhibited remarkable composure and resilience. After Lahiri’s disappointing performance in the playoff, which saw him score a six, Garcia emerged victorious by carding a par on the second extra hole.
Garcia’s win was not just a personal triumph but also a significant financial achievement. The victory came with a substantial £3.1 million prize, further enhanced by an additional quarter share of $1.2 million, awarded to his Fireballs team for winning the team title. This victory was Garcia’s first since his triumph at the Sanderson Farms Championship on the PGA Tour in 2020, making it a particularly sweet moment in his career. The win also marked Garcia’s 30th event on the LIV Golf Tour, underscoring the significance of this milestone.
In the aftermath of his win, Garcia expressed immense joy and satisfaction. He conveyed his delight at the way he played and the support he received throughout the week. Garcia specifically mentioned how meaningful it was to have his family—his wife, kids, and parents—present to share in the victory. He reflected on the remarkable support from fans and the sense of fulfillment he felt, considering the high stakes and the emotional journey leading up to the win.
On the other hand, Lahiri’s consolation prize for finishing as the runner-up was a substantial $2.25 million, a significant sum but notably less than the $4 million that would have been awarded for first place. This outcome added another layer of disappointment for Lahiri, who had been looking forward to capitalizing on his strong performance but instead had to contend with the frustration of missed opportunities.
Overall, Garcia’s victory at Valderrama was a dramatic testament to the unpredictability and excitement of professional golf. It highlighted not only Garcia’s skill and perseverance but also the dramatic nature of competitive sports where a single missed putt can change the course of a tournament.
