Awkward drama on last hole of LIV event ends with emotional Jon Rahm earning his first victory in 15 months

At LIV Golf U.K., the excitement built to a fever pitch as thousands of spectators packed the 18th hole at the JCB Resort in Uttoxeter, located in the Midlands of England. The scene was set for a dramatic conclusion to the tournament, with Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, though separated by a group, in fierce contention for the title. Both players were locked in a tense battle, tied at 13 under par, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. They shared a rich history as teammates in the LIV Golf franchise and had also been victorious partners in the Ryder Cup, having won twice in Rome last year.

 

As the final moments unfolded, the climax of the tournament was almost marred by an unfortunate miss. Hatton, who had been competitive throughout, missed a crucial par putt from just inside six feet. This missed opportunity handed Rahm his first victory in LIV Golf and his first global win since triumphing at the 2023 Masters.

 

Rahm, who has consistently performed well in every tournament since joining LIV Golf, had high praise for his opponent. “I’ve got to give Tyrrell a lot of credit. He’s a fantastic player, and you never want to see him like that,” Rahm said. Rahm, an accomplished golfer with 11 PGA Tour wins under his belt, had begun the final day at JCB Resort three shots behind the leader. With a remarkable comeback performance, he shot a four-under 67 to finish at 13 under par (200). This was enough to secure him a significant victory. Hatton’s final-hole bogey, resulting in a 69, saw him finish at 12 under par, placing him in a tie for second with Cameron Smith, who also carded a 69. Joaquin Niemann, who played impressively, shot a 65 to join them in second place.

 

Rahm’s victory was not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for his team, Legion XIII, which secured its fourth win of the season. In the team standings, Smith’s Ripper GC finished in second place, while Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC rounded out the top three.

 

The emotional weight of Rahm’s victory was palpable. After his win was confirmed, Rahm, visibly moved, buried his face in his hat and cried. His tears were not solely about the win but were deeply intertwined with his personal life. Rahm’s wife, Kelley, is expecting their third child, and the couple has faced some challenges during the pregnancy. Rahm had mentioned at the Open Championship the previous week that it “hasn’t been the easiest [pregnancy],” and the emotional toll was evident. “It’s just emotional,” Rahm reflected on Sunday at LIV U.K. “It hasn’t been the easiest year for our family. Kelley and I have gone through quite a bit, and she has gone through even more. To get this one done [is huge]. She did tell me our son, Kepa, said to bring a trophy home from on this stretch of golf. I started to believe it was going to happen, [but] maybe not in the last 20 minutes. At least I can look at Kepa and say, ‘I’m bringing one home.’”

 

Rahm’s victory at LIV Golf U.K. was a testament to his skill and resilience. He had earlier won the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines and the 2023 Masters, and this latest win added another significant accolade to his career. During the final round, Rahm demonstrated his prowess on the course with two birdies on the front nine, putting him in contention. On the back nine, he made the most of two of three birdies in a four-hole stretch, which came on par 5s—a type of hole he had struggled with throughout the season. Rahm made a crucial birdie on the 632-yard par-5 10th and then an impressive fairway metal shot from 262 yards on the 627-yard 13th hole, leading to a birdie. This strong performance allowed him to afford a bogey on the 17th hole, JCB’s signature hole, which is a challenging 231-yard downhill shot over water. He ended the day in a strong position, ensuring no worse than a playoff with Hatton.

 

Hatton, who hails from High Wycombe, just two hours away from the JCB Resort, received enthusiastic support from the local crowd. The event demonstrated LIV Golf’s strategic decision to bring its U.K. tournament to a location beyond London, tapping into regions with a keen interest in golf.

 

LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is making significant strides globally by entering markets with a strong appetite for golf, and the success of LIV U.K. underscored this strategy. Following the tournament, Rahm, along with six other LIV players including his Spanish compatriot David Puig, is set to participate in the Olympics golf competition in Paris at Le Golf National. Rahm has fond memories of the venue, having previously defeated Tiger Woods there in Sunday singles during Europe’s victory at the 2018 Ryder Cup.

 

Reflecting on his recent win and looking ahead, Rahm noted, “Getting over the hump [today] I think gives me a little extra confidence if I [were to] put myself in a good position come Sunday, so I’m really looking forward to sharing the week with David.”