Jon Rahm continues to lead the LIV Golf Mexico City event, demonstrating remarkable consistency on the back nine of the Club de Golf Chapultepec. His commanding performance positions him favorably for the final round, with a strong showing from his Legion XIII teammates, Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin, highlighting the team's formidable presence in the tournament.
Rahm's Resilient Rally Secures Lead in LIV Golf Mexico City
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the LIV Golf Mexico City tournament in Naucalpan, Mexico, Spanish golfer Jon Rahm once again displayed his exceptional skill, particularly on the back nine of the Club de Golf Chapultepec. Despite an early setback with a double-bogey on the par-4 fifth hole, Rahm meticulously navigated the latter half of the course, achieving a remarkable 5-under-par for his second consecutive 4-under-par 67. This dominant back-nine play has been a consistent theme throughout the tournament, with Rahm accumulating an impressive 11-under on the back nine over three rounds.
Rahm now holds a two-stroke lead with a total of 14 under par. His closest competitor is his Legion XIII teammate, England's Tyrrell Hatton, who concluded the day at 12 under par after an impeccable bogey-free round of 66, which included a crucial eagle on the par-5 seventh hole. Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin, another member of Legion XIII, shares third place with South Africa's Brendan Grace, both at 11 under par. This strong showing by three teammates in the top three positions is a significant event, not seen in a LIV tournament since its debut in London in 2022.
Rahm, a two-time individual champion on the LIV circuit, is now eyeing his second victory of the current season and his sixth top-five finish in as many events in 2026. Meanwhile, Brendan Grace, after an inconsistent but ultimately effective third round, surged up the leaderboard. His round featured an eagle on the seventh hole and eight birdies, punctuated by a series of birdies on the back nine, despite a double-bogey and a bogey at the 18th. Spain's David Puig also had a notable day, carding a 9-under round with eight birdies and an eagle, placing him in a five-way tie for fifth at 10 under. Conversely, Bryson DeChambeau's aspirations for a third consecutive individual LIV title appear to have diminished, as he dropped to a tie for 41st after a 2-over performance.
The ongoing LIV Golf Mexico City tournament continues to highlight the competitive nature of the tour and the exceptional talent within its ranks. Jon Rahm's consistent ability to perform under pressure, especially on critical stretches of the course, serves as a testament to his mental fortitude and strategic prowess. The impressive collective performance of Legion XIII, with three players near the top of the leaderboard, underscores the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in individual-focused sports. This dynamic not only adds an intriguing layer to the competition but also provides a compelling narrative for fans and players alike, emphasizing that success can be a shared endeavor. It prompts reflection on how individual brilliance can elevate a team, and conversely, how a supportive team environment can foster individual excellence.