Bryson DeChambeau clinched a gripping play-off victory over Jon Rahm to win consecutive LIV Golf titles at Steyn City in Johannesburg, a result that left the American in tears and highlighted this week’s record-setting event; masters framed the drama and the tournament’s organisers confirmed a 2027 return. DeChambeau and Rahm finished on 26 under par over 72 holes, with DeChambeau birdying the first extra hole to take the title. The American said the win followed a turbulent week off the course and expressed gratitude for his team and supporters.
Masters drama decided on the first extra hole
DeChambeau, 32, birdied the par-five 18th at Steyn City on the first play-off hole to edge Rahm after both players finished at 26 under par. A superb second shot into the heart of the green set up the birdie, following a tee shot that initially landed in grass muddied by heavy rain. Rahm’s second on the hole found a greenside bunker and his birdie attempt slid wide, leaving DeChambeau two putts to finish off the win and secure the top prize, listed at £3m. The victory was DeChambeau’s fifth LIV Golf title and came one week after a play-off success in Singapore.
Tearful winner and candid words
DeChambeau broke down in tears as he processed the moment. “I wish I could tell you why I am so emotional, ” he said. “A lot had happened in my life in the last week, I am so grateful for my team and everybody supporting me. Golf is a fickle game, you work so hard at it your whole life and then you realise golf is just golf. ” The American’s play-off birdie followed last weekend’s dramatic finish in which Richard T Lee missed a short putt that handed DeChambeau victory in Singapore.
Event impact, team results and 2027 return
The Crushers, DeChambeau’s quartet, also won the team event at the inaugural South Africa tournament. Tournament organisers said the Club at Steyn City will host LIV Golf South Africa from 22–25 April 2027 (ET), building on this week’s debut which welcomed more than 100, 000 fans over four days. Scott O’Neil, LIV Golf CEO, called the return a “proud moment” and thanked local partners for bringing the event to life. Gayton McKenzie, South Africa Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, framed the week as evidence of the country’s capacity to host major international sport and highlighted economic and community benefits. Steven Louw, Steyn City Properties CEO, described hosting the inaugural league event on African soil and securing 2027 as an honour and significant milestone.
Tickets for LIV Golf South Africa 2027 go on sale in a limited early-bird window from 22 March to 29 March, with organisers noting a start time for sales in the local market and an early-bird period for a limited number of tickets.
What happens next: attention now turns to the remainder of the LIV schedule and the announced Mexico event that follows this run of tournaments; tournament organisers and team managers will be monitoring player form and crowd demand as preparations begin for the Steyn City return. For DeChambeau, the immediate focus will be on consolidating momentum after two straight play-off wins and managing the emotions that accompanied this week’s victory in South Africa, where masters moments on and off the course shaped a landmark debut.
