The Rippers beat the Stingers in team playoff

At the LIV Golf Adelaide, the first-ever playoff in team format took place, marking a highly anticipated moment after two seasons and 28 tournaments.

The Australian team “Rippers,” led by Cameron Smith, triumphed over the South African team “Stingers” at the second playoff hole, securing an epic victory at The Grange Golf Course.

“It’s unreal,” exclaimed Smith, draped in an Australian flag alongside his teammates Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, and Lucas Herbert. “It’s a dream come true for us.”

Additionally, Adelaide native Brendan Steele clinched his first LIV Golf trophy, marking a significant milestone in his career. The 41-year-old American finished with a final round of 68 (-4), concluding at -18 overall, one stroke ahead of Stinger GC’s Louis Oosthuizen.

Steele expressed his elation, stating, “It’s truly surreal.” This victory marks his eleventh professional title and his first since 2017. “Winning this event is really special. It’s been a unique experience all week, thanks to all the fans.”

Liv Golf, results

With a one-stroke lead entering the final round, Steele showcased remarkable consistency, carding five consecutive birdies from the 5th to the 9th hole to fend off the resilient Oosthuizen, who finished with a 65 (-7).

Five players tied for third place at -16: Andy Ogletree (65), Legion XIII’s captain Jon Rahm (64), the Stingers’ duo Charl Schwartzel (64) and Dean Burmester (67), and Torque GC’s captain Joaquin Niemann (66), who leads the individual season standings.

The Rippers initially held a five-stroke lead over the Stingers midway through the final nine holes. However, the Stingers mounted a comeback, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

With both teams tied at a record-breaking -53 after regulation play, the match proceeded to the first-ever team playoff. Smith and Leishman represented the Rippers, while Oosthuizen and Burmester represented the Stingers, with all four players’ scores counting for their respective teams on each playoff hole.

The playoff concluded at the second playoff hole, with Leishman securing a par, while both Stingers carded bogeys. Smith sealed the victory with two putts for a bogey, clinching the win for the Rippers.

Reflecting on the event, Smith, the 2022 Open Championship winner, remarked, “Last year, I said, biasedly, that this is the best tournament I’ve ever played. I think this year was still the same.”

LIV Golf Adelaide returns bigger than ever in 2024, featuring thirteen teams, fifty-two players, and a weekend of thrilling entertainment for fans. The tournament, held at The Grange Golf Club from April 26th to 28th, promises an unparalleled experience for golf enthusiasts.