Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau’s PGA Championship Struggles: Analyzing LIV Golf’s Impact

By: Nick Piastowski
Published: May 18, 2025

The conclusion of the PGA Championship left avid golf fans pondering the performances of two prominent players—Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau. Both struggled in the pivotal final holes, leading to a deeper discussion about their game and the implications of the LIV Golf tour. As both players navigated the last three holes, Rahm finished five over par while DeChambeau managed a slightly better four over par. But what led to these disappointments? Golf analyst Brandel Chamblee offered an intriguing perspective: the quality of competition.

The Challenge of LIV Golf

Chamblee articulated a critical viewpoint during Golf Channel’s “Live From the PGA Championship,” pointing out that both Rahm and DeChambeau have been playing on the LIV Golf tour. He emphasized that competing in LIV tournaments lacks the same competitive rigor as events on the PGA Tour, stating, “It matters where you play to be sharp, to be at your best.” His assertion underlines a growing debate regarding the caliber of competition players face during their regular tour events.

The Impact of Quail Hollow Club

The PGA Championship took place at the renowned Quail Hollow Club, known for its challenging final three holes often referred to as "the Green Mile." Both DeChambeau and Rahm were in contention but faltered at this critical juncture. DeChambeau suffered a series of mishaps during the final three holes: a bogey on the 16th and a double-bogey on the 17th, along with another bogey on the 18th. Rahm’s performance was not much better, as he dropped crucial strokes with similar missteps, falling from contention as Scottie Scheffler parred two of those holes while starting with a six-shot lead.

Comparing Levels of Competition

To understand the gravity of Chamblee’s remarks, it’s essential to consider the statistics of all three players. At the major tournaments over the past year, DeChambeau’s runner-up finish during this year’s PGA Championship marked his second consecutive second-place finish, reinforcing his competitive prowess on big stages. In contrast, Rahm missed cuts and withdrew from the U.S. Open due to injury, questioning his form leading into these critical events.

Pressure Moments and Mental Resilience

Chamblee pointed out that when the stakes were highest on 16, 17, and 18, it became evident who could handle pressure better. He noted that Scheffler appeared calm and collected, while both Rahm and DeChambeau struggled to maintain their nerves. This observation highlights the age-old adage in sports: Mental resilience and the ability to perform under pressure are just as crucial as physical talent in high-stakes situations.

LIV vs. PGA: The Format Debate

Paul McGinley, another Golf Channel analyst, supported Chamblee’s position by questioning the overall quality and intensity of LIV events. He pointed out that LIV’s team-focused format and less challenging venues contribute to a different kind of preparation, which could be detrimental when transitioning back to major championships. With players traveling around the globe for team events, the environment lacks the intensity and focus required for individual performance at top-tier events.

Why Training Matters

McGinley offered a compelling analogy from a Navy Seal about how individuals perform under pressure: “I sink to the level of my training.” If LIV Golf’s environment leads to a different kind of preparation, it naturally raises the question of whether this alters the players’ ability to deliver during major tournaments. The implication is clear—without rigorous competition and demanding courses, players may not be adequately prepared to face the challenges of esteemed events like the PGA Championship.

The Argument for LIV Winners

While decrying the limitations of LIV Golf, McGinley acknowledged that through this format, players like DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka have achieved greatness in the form of major championships. However, recency bias clouds the debate, as fans may forget that despite their success, there could be limitations when it comes to future major tournament performance.

The Bigger Picture: Golf’s Changing Landscape

As the discourse continues on whether LIV Golf can genuinely prepare its players for major championships, it becomes crucial to keep an eye on the changing landscape of professional golf. Players like Rahm and DeChambeau are significant figures in the sport and their performances inevitably influence public perception and the future of golf. As the rivalry between traditional tours and newer formats continues, fans will remain alert, waiting to see how this evolving situation plays out in the world of golf.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 season progresses, the outcomes of upcoming tournaments will play an integral role in shaping the future narratives around both players and the LIV Golf tour. Can Rahm and DeChambeau bounce back and demonstrate their skill and mental strength in upcoming events? Will LIV Golf’s model prove to be sustainable and effective in producing champions in the long run? Only time will tell. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this interlude between tradition and innovation unfolds in the world of golf.

Through these performances and analyses, the conversation about LIV Golf’s impact will remain a focal point, continuing to affect the professional golf landscape for years to come. As the debate unfolds, one thing remains certain—golf enthusiasts will be front and center, leaning into every twist and turn of this captivating saga.