Jon Rahm once again clinched the LIV Golf season‑long points championship, marking his third straight title, even though his performance at the LIV Golf New York event placed him in a tie for 41st. The tournament was dominated by Chilean star Joaquin Niemann, who captured a three‑stroke victory, adding a ninth win to his résumé over the past three years. Rahm’s final round was a modest 76, yet that score proved sufficient for the two‑time major winner to lock in the overall season crown for the third year running since he joined the LIV circuit.
Reflecting on his recent form, Rahm admitted, “The last two weeks haven’t been the best, have they? I would say I’m proud of how I started the season.” He went on to recall the early part of the year, when he collected several runner‑up finishes but fell short of a win. “To start off as well as I did with a few second places and not getting the win, and then heading to Hong Kong and finally sealing it when I needed to, having a lead and then basically losing it, and then birdieing four in a row in the final holes – that was probably the most proud moment,” he said. Despite a disappointing showing in New York, Rahm emphasized the broader perspective: “It’s been a great year.
There’s a little sour taste in my mouth because of how badly I played this week, but overall it’s something to be proud of. After last year, when I didn’t win and there was a question mark over the season‑long race, to win twice and do it effectively and win it again definitely feels good.” Meanwhile, Joaquin Niemann, who had already secured a victory earlier in the season in South Korea, delivered a masterclass at Trump International Golf Club, leading from start to finish and finishing the tournament at 16 under par. His performance was highlighted by a decisive birdie on the 13th hole and an eagle on the par‑five 15th, which helped him pull away from the field. Harold Varner III stayed within striking distance for much of the round, matching Niemann’s pace until the Chilean’s late surge.
Varner ultimately posted a 70 to claim second place. Niemann, speaking after the win, expressed confidence in his development as a player: “I feel like the more they push me, the better golfer I’m going to become from every experience that I have.
To be able to hit the shots that I did and make the putts that I did coming down the stretch, I give credit to myself.” His comments underscored the mental resilience required to compete at the highest level, especially on a course that demanded precision and strategic shot‑making. Other notable performances included Bryson DeChambeau, who carded a 71 and finished tied for 38th, a full 23 strokes behind the leader. With only one tournament left in the season, DeChambeau’s chances of overtaking Rahm for the points title were effectively extinguished. The week also featured significant off‑course news.
LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil announced that the organization had entered into a term‑sheet agreement with a lead investor, a move that would enable the league to continue operating without reliance on Saudi Arabian capital. O’Neil chose not to disclose the identity of the investor or the exact size of the commitment, but the development signaled a potential shift in the financial underpinnings of the LIV Golf enterprise. Overall, the New York event showcased the depth of talent within the LIV circuit, highlighted by Niemann’s commanding victory and Rahm’s steady accumulation of points that secured his third consecutive season title.
While Rahm’s finish may have seemed modest, his consistency across the season’s events proved decisive in the points race. The tournament also reinforced the league’s growing stability, both competitively and financially, as it moves forward with new investment and continued interest from top‑world players.
Looking ahead, the final tournament of the season will determine whether any other players can challenge Rahm’s dominance in the points standings, though the margin appears substantial. For Niemann, the win adds momentum to a career that has already seen a remarkable resurgence, positioning him as a potential contender in future events. As the LIV Golf narrative evolves, fans can expect more high‑stakes competition, strategic investments, and the ongoing quest for supremacy among the sport’s elite.