South Africa’s Dean Burmester sank a six-foot birdie putt on Sunday’s first playoff hole to beat Spaniards Jon Rahm and Joséle Ballester and win the LIV Golf Chicago title. Burmester’s victory at LIV Golf Chicago was nothing short of dramatic. From a dominant Saturday to a nerve-wracking final round and a tense playoff, the South African golfer showed resilience to claim his second LIV Golf title. Here are the key turning points that helped the 36-year-old clinch the title.
Saturday Surge Puts Burmester in Control
The first turning point of the tournament came in the second round on Saturday at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Burmester shot an impressive 6-under-par 65, pushing him into the outright lead at 9-under. He entered the final day with a two-shot cushion over Jon Rahm and rising star Joséle Ballester, both sitting at 7-under.
A Rough Start on Sunday
The final round, however, didn’t start the way Burmester hoped. He squandered a two-shot overnight lead with three bogeys in his first three holes. His lead vanished almost instantly, and suddenly the title race was wide open. Many players might have collapsed under that pressure, especially with Rahm and Ballester charging, but Burmester steadied himself, dug in, regained his rhythm, and began to fight back.
Birdies Bring the Momentum Back
Burmester’s comeback started with a birdie on the 5th hole, which stopped the bleeding and rebuilt his confidence. He fought back to card a par-71 final round, matching Rahm and Ballester on 9-under-par 204 for 54 holes at Bolingbrook Golf Club. From there, Burmester picked his moments and avoided unnecessary risks while waiting for birdie chances. Those opportunities came at the 12th and 16th holes, and both birdies proved important in keeping him in contention and ensuring he didn’t lose touch with Rahm and Ballester as the round headed for its climax.
The 18th-Hole Drama
Both Rahm and Ballester delivered clutch performances on the 18th hole as the pressure mounted. Each sank birdie putts to tie Burmester, forcing a three-way playoff. It was exactly the kind of finish fans love—big names, high stakes, and no margin for error. Burmester, who had looked vulnerable earlier in the round, now had to find another gear to get over the line.
Playoff Heroics
The playoff took place on the par-4 18th hole. Burmester rose to the occasion with a brilliant approach shot, setting himself up for a six-foot birdie putt. Ballester landed his approach 12 feet from the hole, while 2024 Chicago winner Rahm’s ball finished 10 feet away. Burmester, who had found the rough off the tee, then dropped his approach to six feet. Ballester and Rahm missed their birdie putts, and Burmester sank his to claim his second LIV Golf title.
Main Photo Credit: © Melissa Tamez-Imagn Images
