LIV Golf: DeChambeau beats Rahm in emotional South Africa playoff

In a dramatic final at the premiere of LIV Golf on African soil, Bryson DeChambeau secured his second victory in a row. In the prestigious duel against Jon Rahm, the US American held his nerve in the play-off - and was unusually emotional after his success at The Club at Steyn City.

Here you can find the leaderboard of the South Arfica event from LIV Golf.

LIV Golf premiere: a historic clash in South Africa

The first LIV Golf event on the African continent could hardly have ended more excitingly. In front of an enthusiastic crowd in Midrand, the two heavyweights of the league, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, went head-to-head right up to the last hole. Rahm, who started the final day three shots behind, equalized DeChambeau's lead with a flawless round of 65 (-8). As DeChambeau also followed up with a solid 68, both finished the tournament with an impressive total score of 26 under Par.

The play-off: DeChambeau's "Shot of the Year" decides the LIV Golf Final

The individual victory at the LIV Golf South Africa was decided on the first extra hole, the massive 651-yard Par-5 of the 18th fairway. After a mis-hit tee shot into the Rough, which had been softened by heavy rain, DeChambeau seemed to be at a disadvantage. But with a spectacular shot from 270 meters, he got his 3-wood to within 3.5 meters of the flag.

While Jon Rahm missed his Birdie from the Bunker, two putts were enough for DeChambeau to win and the associated prize money of 4 million US dollars. This makes DeChambeau only the second professional after Talor Gooch to achieve two consecutive victories at LIV Golf.

"More than just golf": a highly emotional Bryson DeChambeau

Despite the sporting triumph, it was the pictures after the last Putt that were the main talking point. A visibly moved DeChambeau, in tears, hinted at personal challenges over the past week without getting specific. "Golf is a fickle game," he explained in the post-round interview. "You work hard your whole life for it and then you realize that golf is just golf and there are a lot more important things in life." He emphasized how much his faith and the support of his team, Crushers GC, had helped him through this difficult period.

Crushers GC cement record in the LIV Golf team rankings

There was reason to celebrate for the Crushers GC not only in the individual but also in the team standings. With an overall victory by just one stroke ahead of the local favorites "Southern Guard", the team around DeChambeau and Paul Casey cemented its status as the most successful franchise in LIV Golf history. Casey was fair play after the victory: "I almost feel a little guilty about stealing the home win here. The South African fans were incredible."

Outlook: With a tailwind to the Masters in Augusta

This success comes at the perfect time for DeChambeau. Currently the hottest player in the world, he travels to the first major of the year, the Masters in Augusta, in two weeks' time. His improved form when playing the Wedge and his mental strength under pressure make him the top favorite to win the "Green Jacket". The next LIV Golf event will take place from April 16 to 19 at the Chapultepec Golf Club in Mexico City.