Legion XIII’s Playoff Heroics Crown Them 2025 LIV Golf Team Champions in Michigan

In a heart-pounding finale at The Cardinal at Saint John’s in Plymouth, Michigan, Legion XIII, led by Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, clinched the 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship, outlasting Crushers GC in a dramatic two-hole playoff. Powered by the breakout performances of young stars Caleb Surratt and Tom McKibbin, the top-seeded, second-year expansion team erased a five-stroke deficit to finish at 20-under, securing their first title and completing Rahm’s sweep of LIV’s top honors after his Individual Championship win.

Playoff Drama: Rahm and Hatton Deliver Under Pressure

Trailing Crushers GC by five strokes on the back nine, Legion XIII mounted a late charge in Sunday’s all-scores-count stroke-play finale. Rahm (65) and Hatton (66) birdied the 17th and 18th to tie Crushers at 20-under, forcing a playoff. In the two-player aggregate playoff, Rahm and Hatton’s wedge precision on the second playoff hole sealed the win as Crushers’ Bryson DeChambeau (62) and Paul Casey (65) faltered. “The playoff was good fun,” Hatton said. “I felt nervous, and that’s not a bad thing. It shows you care.” Rahm, breaking a playoff jinx after three losses this season, added, “I’m happy I finally won a playoff.”

Key Performers

Legion XIII (-20): Surratt (64), McKibbin (65), Rahm (65), Hatton (66)

Crushers GC (-20): DeChambeau (62), Casey (65), Lahiri (65), Howell III (68)

Stinger GC (-12): Burmester (65), Schwartzel (66), Grace (67), Oosthuizen (70)

Young Stars Surratt and McKibbin Steal the Show

Rookies Caleb Surratt (21) and Tom McKibbin (22) were Legion XIII’s backbone, with Surratt’s 6-under 64 leading the team and McKibbin’s 65 helping to anchor the score. Their 2-0 foursomes record in the match-play rounds set the stage. “The young guys were a beacon of strength,” Rahm said. Surratt, unfazed by the deficit, leaned on team trust: “There’s no other three guys I would have wanted to be five back with.” McKibbin, relishing the playoff as a spectator, noted, “I love watching golf… to see those shots come in was cool.”

Rahm’s Redemption and Team Pride

Despite no individual wins in 2025, Rahm’s season-long consistency earned him the Individual Championship, and this team title erased any doubts. “If there was ever a question mark for not having won, with this, it goes away,” he said. As Legion’s architect, Rahm took extra pride: “A little sense of pride having picked who’s on the team is special.” Hatton, despite a “frustrating” individual season, found joy in the team dynamic: “You’re playing for your three teammates… it feels great coming out on top.”

The Cardinal’s Electric Stage

The newly constructed Cardinal at Saint John’s, praised by Rahm for its pristine condition despite heavy rain, delivered a volatile, birdie-friendly course perfect for LIV’s format. “You have to expect something around 20-under,” Rahm said. “It’s a recipe for an exciting golf course.” The 10,000-15,000 daily fans, fueled by Imagine Dragons and Swedish House Mafia concerts, created a festival vibe that amplified the drama.

Why It Matters: LIV’s Future Shines

Legion XIII’s victory, the fourth unique Team Championship winner in LIV history, underscores the league’s competitive depth and rising stars. Surratt and McKibbin’s emergence signals a bright future, as McKibbin reflected: “I’ve learned a lot from Jon and Tyrrell… I definitely became a better player.”

What’s your take on Legion XIII’s championship run? Can Surratt and McKibbin dominate in 2026? Drop your thoughts on our social media, subscribe to our LIV Golf podcast, and check LIV Golf’s website for the highlights.

Data and quotes courtesy of LIV Golf Media