Bryson DeChambeau was overcome with emotion after winning back-to-back LIV Golf titles, securing a play-off victory at the inaugural South African event.
DeChambeau and Spain’s Jon Rahm both finished on 26 under par over 72 holes at Steyn City in Johannesburg. The American, 32, birdied the first extra hole in the play-off to pip Rahm, clinching consecutive titles after his win in Singapore last weekend, also via a play-off.
“I wish I could tell you why I am so emotional,” DeChambeau said afterwards. “A lot has 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.”
Last weekend, Canada’s Richard T Lee missed a short putt, handing the two-time major winner victory. On this occasion, a superb second shot in the play-off from DeChambeau at the par-five 18th set up the win. After his tee shot landed in mud from torrential rain, DeChambeau powerfully struck the ball into the heart of the green with a wood.
Rahm failed to capitalise on his tee shot landing on the fairway as his second found a greenside bunker. After reaching the green in three, Rahm watched his birdie putt slide right, leaving DeChambeau needing two putts for victory and a £3m first prize. His eagle putt stopped just short before he tapped in for a triumph that triggered his emotional reaction.
After tournaments this season in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Africa, the sixth LIV Golf event will be held in Mexico from 16th April.
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