PLYMOUTH, Mich. — As the sun set over The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort, Jon Rahm's Legion XIII stood triumphant after one of the most dramatic finishes in LIV Golf history. The 2025 Team Championship delivered four days of spectacular match play and stroke play competition, culminating in a tension-filled playoff that saw Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton outlast Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC to claim the $14 million first prize and the coveted Team Championship trophy.
From Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers delivering the tournament's biggest upset to the nail-biting playoff finish, the Michigan crowd witnessed the very best of team golf competition. The unique format combining match play quarterfinals and semifinals with a stroke play finale showcased both individual brilliance and team dynamics, proving once again why the LIV Golf Team Championship has become one of professional golf's most entertaining events.
TEAM EXCELLENCE
$50 million total purse • 13 teams competing • Historic playoff finish at The Cardinal
Four Days of Championship Drama
The 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship provided a masterclass in team competition, with each day bringing compelling storylines and memorable moments. What began with shocking upsets in the quarterfinals evolved into one of the most gripping playoff finishes in team golf history.
Thursday, August 22 - Quarterfinal Chaos
Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC delivered the tournament's biggest upset, sweeping the No. 3 seed Fireballs GC with a dominant 3-0 performance. Mickelson defeated David Puig in sudden death, Cameron Tringale extended his perfect LIV Golf singles record to 6-0, and the foursomes duo of Andy Ogletree and Brendan Steele secured the clean sweep. Meanwhile, top-seeded Legion XIII barely survived a scare from Cleeks GC, needing extra holes from Tyrrell Hatton to advance after Jon Rahm's shocking loss to Adrian Meronk.
Friday, August 23 - Semifinal Showdowns
All three semifinal matches ended with identical 2-1 scorelines in incredibly competitive affairs. Legion XIII defeated HyFlyers GC behind Rahm's redemption victory over Mickelson, while their young duo of Tom McKibbin and Caleb Surratt continued their impressive run. Crushers GC edged Smash GC with DeChambeau delivering a clutch birdie on the final hole to defeat Talor Gooch. Stinger GC's all-South African squad defeated Torque GC to set up Sunday's three-team finale.
Saturday, August 24 - Format Transition Day
The tournament transitioned from match play to stroke play format, with teams preparing for Sunday's finale where all four scores would count. The three remaining teams - Legion XIII, Crushers GC, and Stinger GC - practiced at The Cardinal, fine-tuning their strategies for the championship round. The unique format ensured maximum drama, with each team getting their second opportunity to claim the Team Championship title.
Sunday, August 25 - Playoff Perfection
Legion XIII erased a five-shot deficit to tie Crushers GC at 20-under 260, forcing a dramatic playoff. DeChambeau's spectacular 8-under 62 included birdies on holes 17 and 18, matched by clutch finishes from both Hatton and Rahm. In the playoff, Rahm's 6-footer and Hatton's short putt for birdie on the second extra hole sealed victory, giving Legion XIII their first Team Championship and completing Rahm's trophy sweep after his Individual Championship win the previous week.
"If there was ever a question mark or an asterisk for not having won the whole season without winning, in my mind, with this it goes away," said Rahm after the victory. "It's a lot of validation for all of us, for the team, just how well we did all year. To get it done – stressful – but we got it done."
Legion XIII's Historic Achievement
Jon Rahm's Legion XIII completed a remarkable inaugural season as an expansion team by capturing the Team Championship in dramatic fashion. The victory represents the culmination of Rahm's strategic team building, particularly his faith in young talents Caleb Surratt and Tom McKibbin who delivered crucial performances throughout the week.
The Spanish captain's ability to rally his team from a five-shot deficit on Sunday demonstrated the leadership qualities that have made him one of golf's most respected figures. Despite not posting an individual tournament win all season, Rahm celebrated two major trophies in consecutive weeks - the Individual Championship in Indianapolis and now the Team Championship in Michigan.
For Tyrrell Hatton, the victory provided redemption after a challenging individual season. His clutch birdies on holes 17 and 18 in regulation, followed by the championship-clinching birdie in the playoff, showcased his ability to perform under extreme pressure when his team needed him most.
Final Tournament Results
- 1 Legion XIII -20 (260) • $14M
- 2 Crushers GC -20 (260) • $8M
- 3 Stinger GC -12 (268) • $6M
- 4 Smash GC $3.5M
- 5 HyFlyers GC $3M
DeChambeau's Heartbreak and Brilliance
While disappointment was evident as Bryson DeChambeau watched Legion XIII celebrate, the Crushers GC captain's performance throughout the week deserved immense credit. His final-round 62 was the lowest score of the championship Sunday and nearly delivered his team their second Team Championship title after their 2023 triumph.
DeChambeau's 2025 season had been marked by dominance, with his team capturing three consecutive team titles at LIV Golf Korea, Virginia, and Dallas to establish a commanding lead in the team standings. The scientist's forensic approach to the game was on full display in Michigan, particularly during his clutch semifinal victory over Talor Gooch where he delivered the winning birdie on the final hole.
Rahm himself acknowledged DeChambeau's exceptional play: "He played incredible golf. He played unbelievable. His driver was on an absolute roll, and he had the putter going." The mutual respect between these two captains added another layer of class to an already memorable championship.
Stinger GC's Best-Ever Finish
Louis Oosthuizen's all-South African Stinger GC squad claimed third place with a 12-under total, marking their best Team Championship result in franchise history. After finishing fourth, fifth, and fifth in the previous three years, the breakthrough performance demonstrated the team's continued improvement and cohesion.
The team featuring Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Dean Burmester, and Branden Grace represented their nation with pride, embodying South African golf excellence. Their semifinal victory over Torque GC showcased their match play prowess, with Burmester defeating world-class talent Joaquin Niemann and the veteran pairing of Oosthuizen and Schwartzel securing a crucial foursomes point.
While they couldn't match the scoring prowess of Legion XIII and Crushers in the stroke play finale, Stinger GC's consistent performance throughout the week and their $6 million prize represented significant progress for the franchise.
HyFlyers' Stunning Upset Run
Phil Mickelson's HyFlyers GC provided the tournament's most compelling underdog story, delivering the biggest upset of the quarterfinals with their sweep of the third-seeded Fireballs GC. The victory showcased the unpredictable nature of match play competition and proved that any team could triumph on any given day.
Cameron Tringale emerged as the week's match play sensation, extending his perfect LIV Golf singles record to 7-0 with victories over Abraham Ancer and Tyrrell Hatton. His remarkable consistency in the match play format has established him as one of LIV Golf's most reliable performers when matches are decided hole by hole.
While their semifinal loss to Legion XIII ended their championship dreams, HyFlyers' fifth-place finish and $3 million prize money validated their season-long improvement and set a strong foundation for 2026.
Format Innovation and Entertainment
The Team Championship's unique format combining match play and stroke play competition once again proved its entertainment value. The quarterfinals and semifinals match play rounds created must-watch moments with every match potentially deciding a team's fate, while Sunday's stroke play finale ensured the best-performing team would claim the title.
Championship Impact
The 2025 Team Championship showcased the evolution of team golf, with Legion XIII becoming the fourth different team to win the title in as many years.
Prize Money Distribution Excellence
The $50 million purse for the Team Championship represented one of the richest team events in professional golf history. Legion XIII's victory earned them $14 million, with $8.4 million going to the team franchise and each of the four players receiving $1.4 million. This unique distribution model, where 60% goes to the franchise and 40% to the players, has created sustainable team building and long-term strategic planning.
Crushers GC's runner-up finish still netted them $8 million, while Stinger GC's third place earned $6 million. Even teams eliminated in the quarterfinals received substantial payouts, ensuring every franchise benefited from their season-long efforts to qualify for the championship.
The financial structure has revolutionized team golf, creating genuine franchise value and allowing teams to invest in infrastructure, coaching, and player development programs that will shape the future of professional golf.
Young Talent Shines Bright
One of the week's most encouraging storylines was the performance of LIV Golf's younger generation. Legion XIII's Caleb Surratt and Tom McKibbin proved instrumental in their team's victory, winning crucial matches and demonstrating composure beyond their years.
Rahm specifically praised his young teammates: "Neither Tyrrell or I were having a great day today, and even during the whole week, I don't think we played our best. But the young guys kind of were a beacon of strength. They carried us all the way to the end." This passing of the torch moment highlighted LIV Golf's success in attracting and developing emerging talent.
The integration of established stars with rising talents has created a unique dynamic where veterans mentor the next generation while competing at the highest level, ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of team golf.
Michigan's Warm Embrace
The Michigan crowd at The Cardinal provided an electric atmosphere throughout the week, with galleries following matches closely and creating the kind of energy that elevates championship golf. The state's rich golf heritage and passionate fan base proved perfect for the Team Championship's unique format.
Local fans particularly embraced the match play format, with the head-to-head competition creating natural rooting interests and dramatic moments. The playoff finish on Sunday drew massive crowds around the 18th green, with fans witnessing history as Legion XIII claimed their first championship.
The economic impact on the Plymouth area was substantial, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefiting from the influx of golf fans from around the world. The tournament's success has positioned Michigan as a premier destination for professional golf events.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution Continues
As Legion XIII celebrated their historic victory, the 2025 Team Championship marked another milestone in LIV Golf's evolution. The fourth different champion in four years demonstrates the competitive balance among the 13 franchises, with any team capable of capturing the title given the right circumstances and performances.
The playoff drama between Legion XIII and Crushers GC will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2025 season, showcasing both individual brilliance and team dynamics. The format's success in creating compelling television and delivering dramatic finishes has validated LIV Golf's team concept.
For Jon Rahm, the victory completed a remarkable fortnight where he claimed both major LIV Golf trophies without winning an individual tournament all season. His consistency and leadership have set a new standard for excellence in team golf, proving that success can be measured in multiple ways.
A Championship's Legacy
As the 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship enters the history books, it stands as a testament to the power of team competition in professional golf. The week provided everything fans could want – shocking upsets, clutch performances, emerging stars, and a playoff finish for the ages.
The tournament's unique blend of match play intensity and stroke play precision created four days of must-watch golf, with every shot carrying significance for both individual and team success. The format has proven that team golf can coexist with and enhance individual achievement, creating new narratives and rivalries that engage fans worldwide.
Legion XIII's journey from expansion team to champions in just their second season demonstrates the opportunities available in LIV Golf's franchise model. Their victory, built on a foundation of veteran leadership and young talent, provides a blueprint for future success in team golf.
As the golf world reflects on this memorable week in Michigan, the impact extends beyond the trophy and prize money. The Team Championship has established itself as one of professional golf's premier events, combining innovation with tradition to create something uniquely compelling.
The image of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton embracing after their playoff-clinching birdies, with young teammates Surratt and McKibbin celebrating alongside them, perfectly encapsulated what makes team golf special. It's not just about individual glory – it's about shared success, collective pressure, and the bonds formed through competition.
As Legion XIII hoisted the trophy on Sunday evening, surrounded by thousands of cheering fans at The Cardinal, the moment represented more than just a tournament victory. It symbolized the successful evolution of professional team golf and the bright future ahead for this innovative format that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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