Forget the stats for a moment; this was golf drama at its peak. At the final LIV Golf season event in Michigan, Team Legion XIII, led by captain Jon Rahm, demonstrated that consistency wins the toughest battles.
Tied at 20-under par with Crushers GC after four intense rounds, the two teams clashed in a nail-biting two-hole playoff. Ultimately, Legion XIII triumphed, clinching the Team Championship and a $14 million prize. Key contributions from Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt, Tom McKibbin, and Rahm secured the victory.
For the Basque native, the win was profoundly personal. Despite not winning an individual tournament all season, his steady play elevated him to the top of the Individual Standings.
“If there was ever a question mark or an asterisk about not winning all season without a win, this erases it,” Rahm said. “It’s a huge validation for us and how well we performed throughout the year. It was stressful, but we achieved it. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The tournament highlighted both the talent and stamina of LIV Golf. The week started on Tuesday with Majestics GC defeating Iron Heads GC in the play-in event, setting the 12-team format.
Battle for the final spots
From Friday, the matchplay knockout rounds determined which teams advanced, while losing teams still competed in brackets to establish the overall standings. Each team played 54 holes, ensuring all had opportunities to shine.
Legion XIII’s playoff against Crushers GC was gripping. Both teams finished at 20-under par, with Stinger GC securing third at 12-under. The two-hole playoff saw Hatton shoot -2, Rahm -1, while Crushers’ DeChambeau managed -1 overall. The drama kept spectators on edge until the final putt.
Final results for the Championship Bracket:
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Legion XIII -20 (Surratt 64, McKibbin 65, Rahm 65, Hatton 66)
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Crushers GC -20 (DeChambeau 62, Casey 65, Lahiri 65, Howell III 68)
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Stinger GC -12 (Burmester 65, Schwartzel 66, Grace 67, Oosthuizen 70)
The LIV Golf season also sparked debate over Individual Standings. Rahm’s victory without a single tournament win contrasted with Joaquin Niemann, who won five events but finished lower overall. Both were surprised by their final positions, highlighting the league’s unique scoring system and the importance of season-long consistency.
Looking ahead, LIV Golf has confirmed its first event for the 2026 season: Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, February 5–7, with all rounds played under lights. Last year, Adrian Meronk (Cleeks GC) claimed the title there.
However, questions persist about eligibility and participation for players historically involved in the DP World Tour, Asian Tour, and other events, adding intrigue for the next season.
Other key takeaways include relegation and promotion rules for players like Henrik Stenson and the importance of the Asian Tour International Series rankings for league access. With venues and formats unfolding, the 2026 LIV Golf season promises more drama and surprises.
Tier 2 Standings:
4. Smash GC -18
5. Hyflyers GC -14
6. Torque GC -9
Tier 3 Standings:
7. 4Aces GC -17
8. Fireballs GC -13
9. Ripper GC -6
Tier 4 Standings:
10. Rangegoats GC -7
11. Majesticks GC -6
12. Cleeks GC +1
