Jon Rahm closed with a 4-under 66 to reach 11 under and claim the LIV Golf Chicago title as well as the upstart tour’s season-long points race.
Joaquin Niemann remained in the hunt for both the tournament and season titles until Rahm holed a 12-foot birdie on 17 to secure a three-shot advantage going into 18 at Bolingbrook Golf Course.
It was Rahm’s second career LIV Golf League victory – and second in his three most recent starts, with his maiden title coming just last month in England. In between those two wins, he lost in a playoff at Greenbrier to Brooks Koepka.
Niemann, who won twice earlier in the season, was the only player who was able to challenge Rahm for the season title. He got within two shots after a birdie on the 15th and a big par save on the 16th but Rahm’s birdie on 17 ultimately sealed the deal.
Niemann shot 66 to tie for second with Sergio Garcia (68).
“I wanted to do a good show and get it over the line. I’m really happy,” said Rahm, who said he was nervous on the practice range. “To go bogey-free on the weekend, it’s quite spectacular. I’m very proud of the putt on the 17th, which made 18 a lot easier.”
Bryson DeChambeau‘s Crushers won the team title and head to the team championship in Dallas next week on a heater.
Rahm earned $4 million for the tournament victory and $18 million for taking the season-long race.
