Jon Rahm's inaugural season with LIV Golf culminated in a hefty prize win for the Spaniard.
At LIV Golf Chicago , Rahm battled Joaquin Niemann, the only other player in the field who had a chance to win the $18 million prize. Instead of folding under pressure, Rahm showed why he is considered one of the best golfers in the world, regardless of which circuit he is playing in.
Though he missed two birdie putts on the back nine, Rahm sank a 12-foot birdie putt to give him a three-shot advantage heading into the final hole. In the end, the 29-year-old finished with a 4-under 66 to win the final individual event outright, edging out Niemann and Sergio Garcia.
Rahm's win at Bolingbrook was his second victory in the Saudi-backed circuit since joining the league for over $500 million. After the win, Rahm explained how he felt after winning his first LIV individual season in his first year playing a relatively new style of golf.
"I wanted to do a good show and get it over the line," Rahm said after his win. "I'm really happy. To go bogey-free on the weekend, it's quite spectacular. I'm very proud of the putt on the 17th, which made 18 a lot easier."
The Spaniard's mindset played an important part in his success this season. "I try to keep reminding myself to stay within the tournament because if I do well in the tournament, everything else takes care of itself," Rahm said. "It's a championship within a championship... But it's going to be a really fun day, no matter what."
Rahm did not place lower than T-10 in 12 events this season and earned $16,737,904, in addition to the $18 million he will receive for winning at Bolingbrook. Along with winning the cash prize, Rahm also will be given a massive ring to commemorate his victory.
The gem-filled ring - which is similar to what is awarded to MLB, NBA and NFL teams - houses 5.78 carats of white diamonds and 1.2 carats of natural green emeralds along with 84.8 grams and 14-carat gold. There is also a QR code that shows the winner the moment they won the LIV Golf title.
While the ring is ostentatious for Rahm's taste, he admitted that its looks didn't matter so long as he was the one who won the ring. "But honestly, who cares what it is as long as you’re the one that has it? That’s, I think, what most of us will be thinking," Rahm said earlier in the week. "I think you would be lying to yourself if you said there’s nothing extra. We’re all aware it’s the last event, and for the two of us, obviously, we both want to win.
“I also believe that being able to be in this position and having those extra nerves is a privilege. We’re the only two in the entire league that are going to be feeling like that this week, so yeah, you have to embrace it and compete and still try to win but knowing there’s a lot more at stake if that doesn’t happen.”
Niemann shared a similar sentiment, claiming his wife would not appreciate him wearing such a loud piece. "Probably my wife won’t be happy knowing that my ring would have more [diamonds]," he said. "No, I feel it’s pretty special. It’s a little different than other trophies, so it would be pretty cool to have an extra ring."
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