On Sunday, Charles Howell III emerged as the winner at the first of LIV Golf’s 14-event season after producing a perfect final round at the El Camaleon Golf Course in Mayakoba, Mexico.

 He took home $4 million in prize money for his remarkable performance. Howell’s impressive win was made even more special as he also shared a separate $3 million team prize with his Crushers GC team-mates. The American finished four shots clear of Peter Uihlein, the runner-up.

Heading into Sunday, Howell was just one stroke behind co-leaders Uihlein and Talor Gooch, but he dominated the front nine and produced six of eight birdies, leaving his competitors with little chance. 

Speaking about his win, Howell said, “It’s big we got the team win. I played here many times before and had an idea of what to expect coming in. But around this place, man, there’s double bogeys everywhere, so you never know.”

For Gooch, the day could not have gone any worse, as he carded a five-over par 76, finishing tied for 11th. As for Uihlein, he was left with only bitter disappointment, as the win slipped out of reach when he landed in the trees and scored a triple bogey on the par-four 12. Reflecting on the unfortunate event, Uihlein jokingly said, “Skipped the 12th.” He further added, “It’s just a hole that does not set up well for me. I don’t like the look of it. But, you know, I’m proud of the way I battled. Other than that hole, it was a pretty good day.”

Despite not being the winner, South African Branden Grace put on an impressive performance, carding a four-under-par 67 and securing third place.

The first event of LIV Golf’s 14-event season was a thrilling affair, and Charles Howell III’s impressive win and shared team prize have certainly made a statement. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds and if any other golfer can come close to replicating Howell’s dominant performance.

Leon Osamor