Rahm Defends LIV Title, But Falls in Playoff to Muñoz

Jon Rahm Defends Season Points Title in LIV Golf

In an exciting season finale, Jon Rahm, despite not achieving individual victories, managed to defend his points title in LIV Golf. The Spanish golfer finished the event in Indianapolis with an impressive round of 60 strokes, 11 under par, but fell to Sebastián Muñoz in a playoff. Muñoz, who had previously made history by being the first player to record a 59 with a double bogey, demonstrated his skill by sinking birdies on the last two regular holes, sealing a 65 to tie Rahm with a total of 22 under par at the Club at Chatham Hills. The previous week, Rahm also suffered a defeat on the first playoff hole in Chicago, in a match that included Dean Burmester and Josele Ballester. On this occasion, Muñoz prevailed over the Spaniard with a six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, a par 4, securing the victory.

“It’s a great moment, but it doesn’t feel good to end the year losing two playoffs. I’m sure that with time I will overcome that and really appreciate what I’ve done this year. Being able to win the season without winning a tournament, I know I’ll be proud of that,” Rahm declared.

Jon Rahm

Rahm surpassed Joaquín Niemann, who had been the winner of five tournaments this season, in the overall points standings. Niemann, with a round of 66 strokes, placed fourth, tied with other players, with a total of 17 under par, marking his first top 10 appearance without winning.

“It’s a bit difficult to take in. But at the end of the day, I think it is what it is. I feel that will put something inside me to work harder and try to be in this situation again next year and do it differently,” expressed Niemann.

Joaquín Niemann

In the team event, Muñoz and Niemann led Torque GC to victory, setting a new record of 64 under par. The team surpassed the previous LIV mark, which was 53 under par.

“I was a bit lucky that it didn’t hit so close to me, and I finished it quickly. It’s the first time I’ve beaten it, so I’m very proud of that and happy to be able to go home with the trophy,” commented Muñoz.

Sebastián Muñoz

Ian Poulter, with birdies on four of the last five holes, shot a 67 to tie for 17th and avoid relegation from the circuit. On the other hand, Henrik Stenson, Majesticks teammate, was relegated after missing a 20-foot birdie putt on the final hole, which would have kept Poulter on the circuit.