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Legion XIII Wins LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship in Dramatic Playoff
Aug
Legion XIII captured their first-ever LIV Golf Team Championship title in a thrilling playoff against Crushers GC, closing out the season with a major statement.
After relying on breakout stars Caleb Surratt (21) and Tom McKibbin (22) throughout the tournament, it was Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton who sealed the win with clutch birdies on the second playoff hole at The Cardinal at Saint John’s.
🔥 The Playoff
Both teams tied at 20-under-par after Sunday’s final round. That forced a two-player playoff. Crushers GC selected Bryson DeChambeau and Paul Casey. Legion XIII chose Rahm and Hatton.
- First playoff hole: Hatton and DeChambeau made birdies. Rahm and Casey missed theirs.
- Second playoff hole: Rahm and Hatton hit tight approach shots and birdied again. DeChambeau and Casey couldn’t match.
Legion XIII won the playoff -3 to -1, clinching the title.
🏆 Championship Summary
- Team Champion: Legion XIII (Rahm, Hatton, Surratt, McKibbin)
- Final Score: -20
- Playoff Result: Legion XIII (-3), Crushers GC (-1)
- Individual Low Round: Bryson DeChambeau (62, bogey-free)
“I’m just proud of these guys. The young ones carried us all week,” said captain Jon Rahm.
🧨 Young Guns Shine
In Sunday’s all-scores-count format, Surratt fired a 64 and McKibbin a 65. Their strong play helped offset modest rounds from Rahm and Hatton. They also won both of their foursomes matches earlier in the event.
“I’m really proud of the fight,” Surratt said.
McKibbin added, “I’m glad I got to watch the playoff instead of hitting those shots.”
🥈 Crushers GC Fall Just Short
DeChambeau nearly carried his team to victory with a brilliant 8-under 62, the lowest round ever in a LIV Team Championship final. Casey added a 65, while Lahiri and Howell III posted 65 and 68.
This was Crushers GC’s second time losing in a team playoff, following a defeat in 2024 to the Fireballs.
🥉 Stinger GC Starts Hot, Fades Late
The South African team (Burmester, Schwartzel, Grace, Oosthuizen) was 12-under through nine holes but faltered on the back nine. They finished at -12, taking third place — their best-ever finish in the Team Championship.
🧾 Final Team Results (Championship Bracket)
| Rank | Team | Final Score | Notable Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | Legion XIII | -20 | Surratt 64, McKibbin 65 |
| 🥈 2 | Crushers GC | -20 | DeChambeau 62, Casey 65 |
| 🥉 3 | Stinger GC | -12 | Burmester 65, Schwartzel 66 |
Playoff Result
- Legion XIII: -3 (Hatton -2, Rahm -1)
- Crushers GC: -1 (DeChambeau -1, Casey E)
🔢 Other Tier Winners
- Tier 2 – Smash GC (-18): Koepka and Kokrak shot 65, Gooch and McDowell 66.
- Tier 3 – 4Aces GC (-17): Pieters led with a 63. Johnson and Reed each shot 65.
- Tier 4 – RangeGoats GC (-7): Watson and Campbell both shot 66.
📊 Team Playoff History
This was the fourth team playoff in LIV Golf history and the first in a Team Championship. Legion XIII becomes the fourth different team to win the title, joining:
- 4Aces GC (2022)
- Crushers GC (2023)
- Ripper GC (2024)
💬 Notable Quotes
Jon Rahm
“It’s a lot of validation for all of us… Stressful, but we got it done.”
Tyrrell Hatton
“The nerves were real. But sometimes that helps you focus more.”
Bryson DeChambeau
“I didn’t miss a shot. I could’ve gone lower.”
Copy Right By Hornnastee
