Jon Rahm put an emphatic end to a turbulent week on the LIV Golf circuit by posting a seven‑under‑par 64 on Sunday, securing a six‑stroke victory at LIV Golf Mexico City. This win marks his second triumph of the season on the Saudi‑backed tour and underscores his dominance despite the surrounding uncertainty. The past several days have been rife with speculation about the financial health of the LIV Golf league.
In an effort to quell rumors, CEO Scott O'Neil circulated an internal memo assuring staff that the organization has guaranteed funding through the end of the calendar year. This reassurance came after reports emerged suggesting that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) might withdraw its financial backing, a move that could have jeopardized the league’s operations. Compounding the drama, the Mexico City event experienced a significant power outage on Tuesday, which forced the live stream to go dark for roughly two hours during the opening round. The interruption fueled further doubts about the league’s stability, but LIV Golf quickly announced that the Chapultepec Golf Club will host the tournament again next season, signaling confidence in its long‑term plans.
Rahm’s performance was a stark contrast to his previous LIV Golf campaign, where he competed throughout the season without capturing a victory, although he did clinch the points title. He also carries a personal history at Chapultepec; back in 2017, when the venue hosted a World Golf Championship, Rahm fell short of his own expectations. This time, however, he made no mistakes, opening his round with a birdie on the reachable par‑four second hole and following it with an eagle on the third, all while avoiding any bogeys.
When asked about his surprise win, Rahm admitted he would have found it hard to believe a week earlier. "If you had told me on Thursday afternoon that I would win by six shots this weekend, I wouldn’t have believed you because I had been playing poorly," he said, referencing his tie for 38th place at the Masters earlier in the year.
The tournament also saw the withdrawal of Bryson DeChambeau before the final round. DeChambeau, who was attempting to become the first player to achieve three consecutive LIV Golf victories, cited a wrist injury that he did not want to exacerbate. At the time of his exit, he trailed Rahm by 16 strokes. In a social‑media statement, DeChambeau explained, "I felt discomfort in my wrist during yesterday’s round and have decided to withdraw from the final round of LIV Golf Mexico City to prevent further injury.
This is not how I wanted the week to end." He added that he will undergo evaluation and hopes to compete at LIV Golf Virginia, scheduled for May 7‑10, just a week before the PGA Championship. Rahm’s win also propelled his Legion XIII squad to its first team victory of the year. Fellow Spaniard David Puig posted a 66 to finish runner‑up, earning valuable world‑ranking points that virtually guarantee his entry into the PGA Championship. A strong showing in Virginia could also secure him a spot in the U.S.
Open, keeping his major‑season aspirations alive. Looking ahead, the next stop on the LIV Golf calendar is the Virginia event at Trump National Golf Club near Washington, D.C., slated for May 7‑10. The league’s leadership remains confident that, despite recent setbacks and public scrutiny, the tour will continue to thrive and expand its global footprint.
Overall, Rahm’s dominant performance in Mexico City not only highlighted his personal resilience but also offered a reassuring narrative for LIV Golf amid financial rumors and operational hiccups. His six‑stroke margin, flawless play, and the continued commitment of the league to return to Chapultepec next year suggest that both the player and the organization are poised to move forward with renewed vigor.