Jon Rahm secures win at LIV Golf Chicago and earns 2024 individual crown

Jon Rahm of Spain, aged 29, achieved victory at LIV Golf Chicago on Sunday, securing the individual season title of the Saudi-backed circuit, which is valued at $18 million. He accomplished this feat by recording four birdies, including a crucial 12-foot putt on the 17th hole.

The two-time major champion transitioned to the breakaway league last December and has now claimed his second win in the last three tournaments, following a runner-up finish to Brooks Koepka in a playoff at LIV Golf Greenbrier in August.

Rahm, who has consistently finished in the top 10 across 11 events, arrived at Bolingbrook Golf Course near Chicago this week with Joaquin Niemann, a two-time winner this season, as his only competitor for the season title.

After a remarkable six-under-par performance in the second round on Saturday, Rahm held a one-shot lead over fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia heading into the final round, with Niemann trailing by three shots and needing to outperform Rahm to secure the individual champion's bonus.

During the final round, Rahm recorded birdies at the third, sixth, and tenth holes. Despite missing a few additional birdie opportunities, he solidified his victory with a birdie on the 17th, finishing the round at four-under par for a total of 11-under par over 54 holes.

"I woke up feeling quite nervous today," Rahm remarked. "I aimed to deliver an excellent performance and to finish strong. I am truly pleased with how well I played."

"To complete the weekend without a bogey, with only one bogey throughout the entire tournament, is quite remarkable," he added. "I take great pride in the putt on 17, which made the 18th hole significantly easier."

In addition to the $18 million champion's bonus, Rahm earned $4 million for his tournament victory.

He concluded the event three shots ahead of Niemann, whose four-under final round resulted in an eight-under total, placing him in a tie for second with Garcia.

The LIV season will culminate next week with the team championship in Dallas.

Following this, Rahm intends to participate in three DP World Tour events to ensure his eligibility for the Ryder Cup.

He stated on Wednesday that he is not inclined to pay the fines imposed by the DP World Tour on golfers who do not secure releases to compete in LIV events that coincide with tour tournaments.

Rahm has allegedly contested the fines, and as this matter unfolds, he would be permitted to participate in the Spanish Open later this month. Additionally, he expresses a desire to compete in the Andalucia Masters and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.