DeChambeau Beats Rahm in LIV South Africa Playoff: Ryder Cup Form Watch

Bryson DeChambeau beat Jon Rahm on the first playoff hole to win LIV Golf South Africa at The Club at Steyn City on March 22, 2026. Both finished the 72-hole tournament at 26 under par before DeChambeau made birdie on the extra hole.

The official leaderboard records DeChambeau's four against Rahm's five on the par-five 18th in the playoff. Sky Sports' tournament report confirms the result and DeChambeau's second consecutive LIV title after Singapore.

A pressure contest between past Ryder Cup players

The playoff put two experienced Ryder Cup players in a direct contest with the title at stake. DeChambeau converted the birdie opportunity; Rahm finished runner-up after forcing the playoff.

That performance provides evidence of competitive form. It does not establish a future singles pairing: neither player has a guaranteed 2027 team place, and both teams' lineups will depend on selection and the eventual match order.

What the result means for qualifying

The South Africa victory did not award U.S. Ryder Cup qualifying points. Under the selection criteria announced on September 9, 2026, the American race begins at The American Express in January 2027. The announcement came after this March tournament.

Rahm's European eligibility dispute was still active at the time of the South Africa event. He and the DP World Tour later reached a conditional-release agreement on May 5, covering the remainder of the 2026 LIV season. Golf Channel's report, including the tour statement, sets out that later development. The agreement did not automatically select him for the Ryder Cup.

For the next cycle, the relevant questions are sustained form, eligibility and performance in counting events. Follow the 2027 qualification tracker and profiles of DeChambeau and Rahm.