Staff WriterLIV Golf Mexico is teeing up a Sunday finale loud enough to rattle the mezcal bottles in downtown CDMX.
Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau barges in with a one-shot cushion, Ripper GC’s Cameron Smith wields a putter hotter than asphalt in August, and Torque GC talisman Joaquin Niemann stalks three back at Club de Golf Chapultepec.
They traded 5-under-66s—and soft compliments— during Round 2.
“It’s scary when he gets on the greens,” DeChambeau said. “Whenever he gets on the greens, I’m like, well, that’s a one-putt. Pretty awesome to watch him putt.”
“I wish I could drive the ball like him,” Smith said. “I often wonder how much better of a golfer I would be if I could drive the ball like him.”
Add DeChambeau’s promise that “Playing in the final group tomorrow will be a lot of fun. We’re going to go after it,” and the popcorn basically pops itself.
LGW’s Fast Facts: Round-2 Ripples You May Have Missed
🚀Surratt’s 488-Yard Scream
488 yd Caleb Surratt uncorked the longest drive of the week at the par-4 11th — even out-driving regional flights.
⛳Albatross Alert
253 yd 52-year-old Richard Bland jarred a 7-wood at the par-5 16th for only the second albatross in LIV history.
“I was in between like 4-iron and 7-wood… it came out perfect.”
🏌️Bryson’s Favorite Par 4
DeChambeau eagled the 316-yard 2nd hole both days.
“4 under through two days is pretty awesome…”
🇲🇽Mexican Hopes Ride with Ortiz
Carlos Ortiz (–6) sits five back but keeps Torque’s chances alive.
“I still haven’t won with Torque, so it would be really special…”
📊Stat-Sheet Stars
- Driving accuracy: Dustin Johnson 85.7%
- Measured-hole distance: DeChambeau 394.6 yd avg
- GIR: Varner III & Mickelson 88.9%
- Scrambling: Jones, Westwood, Casey 100%
- Putting: Ancer 1.39 putts/hole
Total 400-yard drives so far: 18. DeChambeau owns four; Surratt owns bragging rights.
Three-Way Dance for the Trophy
Niemann fired Saturday’s low round, a 7-under 64, before noting, “The way Bryson and Cam are playing, it’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be special.”
Legion XIII captain Jon Rahm (-9) growls in solo fourth, ready to pounce if the leaders flinch.
Droughts, Dreams and Team Drama
- DeChambeau: 19 regular-season LIV starts without an individual win since 2023.
- Smith: 20-event dry spell, last victory Bedminster ‘23.
- Both: recent team hardware – Crushers 2023 champs, Rippers 2024 champs.
“I’m trying to win every week,” DeChambeau said. “Sometimes I don’t bring my best game, but I’m giving it my all… Tomorrow is going to be no different.”
“Being in contention tomorrow and today was so much fun,” Smith added. “It’s been a while for me to be at the top of the leaderboard, so I’m really enjoying it.”
Meanwhile the Rippers hold a two-shot edge over the Crushers, with Torque and Legion XIII lurking. That champagne bucket may become a tug-of-war.
