Bryson DeChambeau, the captain of Crushers Golf Club, produced a dramatic finish to claim victory at LIV Golf South Africa at Steyn City on March 22.

He edged Jon Rahm in a playoff, defeating him on the first playoff hole to secure his second consecutive individual title. The Crushers rallied late to beat the home favourites, Southern Guards Golf Club, by a single stroke.

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The emotional victory capped off a week that saw more than 100 000 fans attend what has become the country’s biggest golf tournament. DeChambeau, who had never previously visited South Africa, was visibly moved at the finish.

“I’ve just got to say I love everybody. Thank you for supporting. South Africa was unbelievable. I mean, it has got to be the best LIV event we’ve ever had.”

Plans are already confirmed for the tournament’s return in 2027, from April 22 to 25. “This is about more than golf; this is about our country,” said Sport, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. “What LIV Golf has done, is showcased our country like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

For much of the final round, it looked like the Southern Guards would deliver a fairytale home victory.

Dean Burmester opened with four consecutive birdies, while Branden Grace also started strongly, helping the team build a commanding nine-shot lead midway through the round.

However, Crushers surged late, led by Anirban Lahiri’s second consecutive 8-under 63, alongside steady, bogey-free finishes from Charles Howell III and Paul Casey.

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Despite the late collapse, Southern Guards captain Louis Oosthuizen reflected on the broader significance of the week. “I think we’re very proud of what we achieved, by getting the tournament here. All in all, it’s a week I’ll never forget.”

Grace also came close to forcing a playoff, but a missed birdie chance on the 18th ended those hopes. “The last couple of holes, it was between Bryson and myself, but, at the end of the day, he just made one better up-and-down than I did.

“What a phenomenal up-and-down he made on 18. Listen, it’s one of the best weeks of my life, in my golfing career, and to be able to spend it with three of my best mates is phenomenal.”

DeChambeau sealed the title in style, recovering from trouble off the tee before setting up the winning birdie. “It’s been a tough few weeks. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows, but I can tell you that having these three great people up here, and my caddie and the team around me, really helped me persevere on through tough moments.

“A lot of it was just stuff that I can’t really explain, but, ultimately, I’ll tell you that I’m super-grateful for how this has all played out, and I’m super-emotional.”

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