Hong Kong – Jon Rahm secured his first victory in 539 days, ending a frustrating drought and reaffirming his status as a dominant force in professional golf. The Spaniard’s commanding performance at the LIV Golf Hong Kong event on Sunday, March 7, 2026, not only broke a nearly 18-month winless streak but similarly served as a powerful statement heading into the Masters Tournament in April. He will continue his season next week in Singapore.
Rahm finished the tournament at 23-under par, matching the LIV Golf record previously held by Bryson DeChambeau. The win is particularly significant after a 2025 season where, despite strong performances – including a double championship in the league and a key role in the Ryder Cup – he failed to secure an individual title. That absence of a solo victory weighed heavily on the normally consistent Spaniard.
The victory in Hong Kong comes at a crucial juncture in the season. With the first major championship of the year, the Masters, just a month away, the win provides a significant psychological boost and sends a clear message to his rivals, including those competing outside of LIV Golf, such as Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. His strong start to the 2026 season – two second-place finishes and now a victory in three events – also validates his decision to take a longer-than-usual off-season, foregoing competition from October to February.
Rahm’s journey to the winner’s circle wasn’t without its challenges. He began the tournament in a tie for 16th after an opening round of 4-under par. However, a spectacular 8-under par in the second round propelled him into contention, and a subsequent 5-under par round on Saturday placed him in a tie for the lead with Harold Varner III and Thomas Detry heading into the final day.
Varner and Detry, while capable players, lacked Rahm’s experience in closing out tournaments under pressure. Varner, a previous LIV Golf winner, had never held the lead going into Sunday, while Detry was a relatively new addition to the league with limited PGA Tour and European Tour victories. Rahm capitalized on their inexperience, building a substantial lead through the middle of the final round.
Key to Rahm’s success was a strong run of birdies on holes 3, 4, 7, and 8. He navigated the challenging Hong Kong Golf Club course with precision, particularly excelling on the par-5 third hole where he had an eagle opportunity. Despite a minor setback with a bogey on the 9th hole, Rahm maintained a comfortable lead, with the LIV Golf supercomputer giving him an 84.4% chance of victory.
He finished strong, with a series of impressive iron shots setting up easy birdie opportunities on holes 14, 15, and 16. A late bogey on the 18th hole proved inconsequential, as his lead was insurmountable. Rahm’s total score of 23-under par not only secured the victory but also set a new tournament record for LIV Golf.
With the win, Rahm solidifies his position atop the LIV Golf standings with 426 points. He now has 23 career victories, including three on the LIV Golf circuit, joining Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Cameron Smith with that total. Only Talor Gooch, Brooks Koepka, and Joaquín Niemann have more LIV Golf wins. He is also closing in on $100 million in career earnings, factoring in prize money and his equity stake in his team, Legion XIII.
Rahm’s triumph also comes amidst ongoing legal battles with the DP World Tour. He has refused to pay fines exceeding $3 million for participating in LIV Golf events, a stance he maintains despite the potential consequences for his eligibility in future Ryder Cups. Rahm has publicly accused the DP World Tour of “extortion,” a claim that is expected to be addressed in court this month. [4]
Prior to his Hong Kong victory, Rahm had finished second in the first two LIV Golf events of 2026. He had six runner-up finishes in his last 15 starts dating back to the beginning of the 2025 LIV season. He spent the off-season working on his swing in Arizona, seeking to address the issues that had plagued his performance in recent months. [3]
Rahm’s decision to charter a flight for eight LIV Golf players stranded in the Middle East also garnered attention. He explained his actions as a matter of principle, stating his desire to facilitate those in need. [3] This act of sportsmanship further cemented his reputation as a respected figure within the golfing community.
The win in Hong Kong marks a significant turning point in Rahm’s career, signaling a return to form and a renewed confidence as he prepares for the Masters. It’s a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Rahm will next compete at LIV Golf Singapore, continuing his pursuit of a dominant season on the LIV Golf circuit. The tournament is scheduled to begin on April 11, 2026.
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