Rahm, DeChambeau Set for Final-Round Showdown at LIV Golf Adelaide
Get ready for fireworks at The Grange Golf Club. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are locked in a head-to-head battle heading into the final round of LIV Golf Adelaide, and if Saturday was any indication, Sunday could be something special.
Both major champions sit at 19-under after matching each other shot for shot in Round 2-DeChambeau firing a sizzling 64 with nine birdies, while Rahm closed with a dramatic eagle to card a 66. They’ve built a five-shot cushion over the rest of the field, setting the stage for a final-round duel that has the feel of a heavyweight title fight.
“Going to be a good battle tomorrow,” DeChambeau said, flashing a grin after a round that was equal parts precision and power. “We’re going to have some fun.”
Rahm, who holed out from 75 yards for eagle at the par-4 18th to draw level, echoed the sentiment. “I hope it’s a banger,” he said. “I hope we both have a good day, and may the best player win.”
That eagle was more than just a highlight-it was a tone-setter. After opening with back-to-back bogeys and trailing DeChambeau by two strokes with five holes to play, Rahm birdied 14, 15 and 16 before delivering the shot of the day on 18. His tee shot veered so far left he needed a free drop from behind the grandstand, but from there, he executed flawlessly.
“Obviously executed it pretty well, and the rest is what you all saw,” Rahm said. “I'm not really expecting to make it. I'm hoping to hit it close, but obviously ended up with the grand prize on that one.”
While Rahm and DeChambeau have separated themselves from the pack, there’s still a chase group trying to make a Sunday charge. Anthony Kim, playing for 4Aces GC, sits five shots back after a solid 68. His comeback story continues to gain traction, but he’ll need something special to close the gap.
Just behind him, a trio of players-including Australians Cameron Smith (64) and Lucas Herbert (67) from Ripper GC, along with Peter Uihlein (67) of RangeGoats GC-are tied for fourth at 13-under, six shots off the lead. For the local fans, Smith and Herbert still offer hope, but the mountain is steep.
In the team competition, Legion XIII is in the driver’s seat, leading Ripper GC by five strokes. That charge has been powered by a strong showing across the board-Tyrrell Hatton carded a 66, Caleb Surratt added a 64, and Rahm’s 66 capped off a dominant team day. If they can hold on, it could mean a big payday for Tom McKibbin, who shot 69 and sits at five-under in a tie for 33rd, but stands to earn an extra $750,000 thanks to Legion XIII’s position atop the team standings.
Graeme McDowell also made a move, climbing to 17th at nine-under after a 67.
But make no mistake-Sunday is all about Rahm and DeChambeau. Two of the game’s most dynamic talents, both in form, both chasing a trophy, and both fully aware of what’s at stake.
If Rahm’s eagle finish was the spark, then Sunday’s final round could be the explosion. Buckle up.