Jon Rahm did just enough on Sunday to hold off Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia from winning LIV Golf Chicago, the final individual event on the schedule this year. The win caps a mixed year for Rahm, who has played well at LIV Golf events but not so well at major championships.
Rahm shot a final-round 66 and withstood some pressure from Niemann, who was level with the Spaniard, late in the day. The eventual champion finished par-birdie-par to finish 11 under par for the week, three shots ahead of Niemann and Sergio Garcia.
The Chicago win earned Rahm $4 million, but the spoils didn’t stop there. After battling Niemann for the overall season title, Rahm took home the $18 million first prize for winning that title.
“Today was a special day in a lot of ways,” Rahm said. “I woke up today feeling very nervous, like I thought. And even when I was warming up, I said [caddie Adam Hayes]’Oh my god, I’m so nervous.’
“But then I started thinking, playing with Sergio and Brooks [Koepka]. Last time Sergio and I both played well, it was a great Sunday in Valderrama; Sergio won. Last time I played Brooks, he beat me. I hope to do well this time and maybe win.
“I’m really happy to have played so well. No bogeys all weekend, only one bogey all tournament, it’s spectacular. I’m very proud of the way I played today and very proud of the putt on 17, it made 18 a lot easier.”
The 17th hole was a long putt that Rahm hit to reach 11 under par and take a three-stroke lead into the final hole.
The Chicago win was Rahm’s second for LIV Golf this year. It also marked his 12th top-10 finish in as many LIV Golf events as he has (Rahm withdrew from LIV Golf Houston). Combined, he has beaten Niemann, who has also won two individual titles, to become the No. 1 player on that tour in 2024.
Rahm joins Taylor Gooch (2023) and Dustin Johnson (2022) as individual champions in the first three years of LIV Golf. This season is Rahm’s first season on the tour.
Rahm isn’t done with 2024, however. His Legion XIII team will play in the team championship next week at LIV Golf Dallas. After that, Rahm plans to fly to Europe to play in some DP World Tour events that will help him retain his membership on that tour while still ensuring he remains eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
“I’m flying home tonight because we know the baby could be here at any moment,” said Rahm, whose wife, Kelley, is expecting their third child. “I’m going to enjoy the flight, and sleeping in my bed next to my wife tonight is all I need. But yeah, I’m definitely going to enjoy Monday morning, maybe seeing some of my friends at home and just being with my family.
“I think the greatest joy I could have would be to drive my kids to school tomorrow morning, and I think that would be more joy than anything else.”
