The mixed feelings behind Jon Rahm’s $18 million LIV Golf earnings

John Rahm’s Bittersweet Victory at LIV Golf Championship

John Rahm wasn’t exactly celebrating when he secured his second consecutive LIV Golf individual championship title on Sunday, along with an impressive $18 million bonus.

Reflecting on his performance in Indianapolis the week prior, Rahm described the moment as “Bittersweet.” He missed out on advancing to the playoffs for the second straight time and did not win any individual tournaments this season.

“I know I’m supposed to feel happy. It’s a significant achievement. But it doesn’t feel great to conclude the year without making it to the playoffs,” Rahm, 30, expressed. “…I suppose I’ll come to terms with it over time. I’m genuinely grateful for this year and proud that I can win a season even without clinching an individual tournament.”

In the final round of the Indianapolis tournament, Rahm shot under 60, tying with Sebastian Munoz at the top.

During the one-hole playoff at the par-4 18th hole at Chatham Hills club, Munoz made a birdie while Rahm secured a par.

This scenario echoed what happened a week earlier in Chicago, where Rahm also faced a one-hole playoff defeat against Dean Barmester, who birdied the 18th hole at Bowlingbrook Golf Club.

Amid these tough losses, Rahm acknowledged Joaquin Niemann, who was the season’s top performer with five tournament wins. “He’s playing incredible golf and you could argue he deserved this win more,” Rahm noted. “But we’re bound by the current points system.”

Niemann, who plays for Munoz’s Torque GC Club, shared that the outcomes were “difficult to swallow.” But he added, “At the end of the day, it is what it is.” Niemann also expressed he was focused on improving himself for a better performance next season.

Rahm walked away with a total of $20.25 million from Sunday’s finale in Indianapolis, which included $2.25 million for finishing in second place and the $18 million from the season championship, as reported by Golf Week.