Jon Rahm capped a turbulent week on the LIV Golf circuit with a dominant performance on Sunday, carding a seven‑under‑par 64 to secure 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 ability to rise above the surrounding uncertainty.
The past several days have been marked by speculation about the financial health of the LIV Golf league. In an effort to calm nerves, CEO Scott O'Neil circulated an internal memo assuring staff that the organization has secured funding through the end of the calendar year. The memo was intended to counter rumors that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) might withdraw its financial backing, a scenario that would have profound implications for the league’s future.
Those rumors were amplified after reports emerged suggesting the PIF was considering ending its support. Adding to the drama, the tournament in Mexico experienced a two‑hour power outage on Tuesday, which forced the live stream to go dark during the opening round. Despite the technical hiccup, LIV Golf announced that it will return to the historic Chapultepec Golf Club for the 2025 season, signaling confidence in the venue and the broader schedule.
Rahm’s path to victory was anything but ordinary. He entered the week without a win on LIV Golf, though he had captured the points title the previous season.
His earlier experiences at Chapultepec were mixed; in 2017, when the course hosted a World Golf Championship, he fell short of the ultimate prize. This time, however, he was decisive from the outset. On the second hole, a reachable par‑4, he secured a birdie, and on the following hole he holed out for an eagle, putting him in a commanding position early on. Throughout the tournament he avoided any bogeys, playing a flawless round that left his competitors scrambling.
When asked about his unexpected margin of victory, Rahm admitted he would not have believed it a week earlier. "If you had told me on Thursday afternoon that I would win by six strokes, I would have thought you were joking because my game had been shaky," he said, referencing his tie for 38th place at the Masters earlier in the season.
The tournament also featured a notable withdrawal. Bryson DeChambeau pulled out of the final round after experiencing wrist discomfort. DeChambeau, who was chasing a historic third consecutive LIV Golf win, was 16 strokes behind Rahm when he made the decision to step away. In a social‑media statement, he explained, "I felt some pain in my wrist during yesterday’s round and decided to withdraw to avoid worsening the injury.
This is not how I wanted the week to end." He added that he will undergo evaluation and hopes to be ready for LIV Golf Virginia, scheduled for May 7‑10, just a week before the PGA Championship. Rahm’s victory also boosted his Legion XIII teammates, who captured their first team win of the year. David Puig finished a strong second with a 66, earning valuable world‑ranking points that virtually guarantee his entry into the PGA Championship.
A continued high finish in Virginia could also secure him a spot in the U.S. Open, adding further incentive to maintain his form. Beyond the immediate results, the event highlighted broader issues facing LIV Golf. The league continues to grapple with questions about its long‑term viability, especially in light of the PIF’s ambiguous stance.
Nevertheless, the organization’s commitment to returning to Chapultepec and its scheduled events, such as the upcoming Virginia tournament at Trump National Golf Club near Washington, D.C., suggest a determination to press forward. In summary, Jon Rahm’s six‑stroke triumph in Mexico City not only showcased his personal excellence but also provided a momentary beacon of stability for a league navigating financial speculation and operational challenges. As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how LIV Golf manages its funding narrative while delivering competitive golf that keeps players like Rahm and DeChambeau at the forefront of the sport.