The final round of the LIV Golf Jeddah tournament at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in Saudi Arabia provided plenty of exciting moments and significant outcomes. Brooks Koepka secured a back-to-back victory in Jeddah, the Fireballs won their second event of the season, and Talor Gooch emerged as the season-long Individual Champion. Here are some notable news, notes, and statistics from the final round.
In terms of team standings, the seeds for the upcoming Team Championship in Miami were finalized. 4Aces GC secured the top seed for the second consecutive year, followed by Crushers GC, Torque GC, and RangeGoats GC. The top four teams will receive byes in the Quarterfinals, with the 4Aces selecting their opponent for the Semifinals.
RangeGoats GC jumped from fifth to fourth place in the standings, pushing Stinger GC down to fifth. This allows RangeGoats GC an extra day of practice and eliminates the mental test of playing the day before. Captain Bubba Watson emphasized the advantage of not having to undergo the mental grind before facing their opponents.
Stinger GC, despite dropping to fifth, will still have the opportunity to choose their opponents during the selection process at Trump National Doral.
Brooks Koepka celebrated his first win as a father after he and his wife Jena Sims recently welcomed their first child, Crew.
Talor Gooch, who was nervously leading up to the final round, managed to overcome his nerves and ultimately secured the Individual Champion title. Gooch’s bogey-free round included a string of three consecutive birdies and showcased his ability to stay focused and execute under pressure.
Bernd Wiesberger of Cleeks GC started the week on the bubble of relegation but delivered an outstanding performance by shooting a 7-under 63, securing his place in the Open Zone. This result provides Wiesberger with the opportunity to become a free agent and re-sign with his current team or join another interested team.
The four full-time non-captains who finished in the Drop Zone and will have the chance to play their way back into the League at the Promotions tournament are Jediah Morgan of Ripper GC, James Piot of HyFlyers GC, Chase Koepka of Smash GC, and Sihwan Kim of Iron Heads GC.
The top 24 players in the final Individual standings secured their spots for the 2024 LIV Golf League. Talor Gooch claimed the top spot, followed by Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Dustin Johnson, among others.
Various statistical leaders emerged from the final round, including Mito Pereira for driving distance, Sihwan Kim for the longest drive, Henrik Stenson for driving accuracy, and Brooks Koepka, Scott Vincent, Charles Howell III, Charl Schwartzel, Paul Casey, Cameron Smith, Matt Jones, Marc Leishman, Henrik Stenson, and Sam Horsfield for greens in regulation.
Talor Gooch led the way in scrambling, while he and Graeme McDowell recorded the most birdies. Gooch also had the fewest putts, and several players, including Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger, achieved bogey-free rounds.
Overall, the final round at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club provided thrilling performances, significant team standings, and individual achievements. With the team championship in Miami approaching, the stage is set for more exciting golf action.