Incheon: The two-time major champion Bryson DeChambeau was crowned the inaugural winner of LIV Golf Korea on Sunday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, DeChambeau shot a six-under 66 in the final round at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, located approximately 30 kilometers west of Seoul, finishing at 19-under after 54 holes. This tournament marked the first LIV Golf event held in South Korea.
DeChambeau, who has two U.S. Open titles and serves as the captain of the Crushers Golf Club (GC), outplayed his Crushers teammate Charles Howell III by two strokes, securing his first LIV Golf victory since September 2023. As the individual winner, DeChambeau earned US$4 million, while his team, Crushers GC, received $3 million for being the top-scoring team.
Starting the final round with a four-stroke lead, DeChambeau maintained his advantage as Howell III made a strong push with five consecutive birdies beginning at the 11th hole. Despite Howell III's efforts, a bogey at the 16th allowed DeChambeau to finish with two consecutive birdies, clinching the win. DeChambeau's final round included seven birdies, six on the back nine, and a single bogey-the only one of his tournament.
Reflecting on his performance, DeChambeau admitted to feeling nervous during the front nine. "After the ninth hole, I don't know what hit me. I just said, 'You know what, just play like a kid again,'" he shared. Embracing his youthful spirit, DeChambeau found his rhythm on the back nine, which included a confidence-boosting 3-wood on the 11th hole.
Discussing the 16th hole, DeChambeau expressed satisfaction with his play despite only making par, sensing that "something was coming." His intuition proved correct as he executed a nearly perfect finish, overcoming a hazard on the 18th hole to secure the victory. "Proud of the team overall and proud of the way I stood fast in there," he remarked.
During his first visit to South Korea, DeChambeau enjoyed the local cuisine, particularly "galbi," or beef ribs. "I've got to tell you that galbi beef is amazing. I love it. I've had it pretty much every night," he said. He also appreciated the warm reception from local fans, hoping to inspire budding golfers in the region. "Hopefully, I've inspired a few people here in Korea to play golf and get a little bit better, and enjoy this great game of golf."
Among South Korean participants, Kim Min-kyu, a DP World Tour player substituting as a temporary injury replacement, was the best performer, tying for 42nd at two-over par after shooting 77 on Sunday. Meanwhile, Jang Yu-bin, the first South Korean national in LIV Golf, continued his season-long struggles, finishing tied for 48th.
This event was the inaugural LIV Golf tournament in South Korea since the Saudi Arabia-funded tour's inception in 2022.