It was a successful week for the Aussies as Cameron Smith led Ripper GC to victory and a record payout of $14 million. Smith, Lucas Herbert, Marc Leishman and Matt Jones shot a combined 11-under on Sunday to see off all challengers. A strong team performance from the land down under.

An impressive performance also from Kevin Na's Iron Heads GC. As the 13th seed coming into the finals, they upset many expectations by pushing Ripper GC all the way for second, earning themselves $7 million. Well done to all associated with that squad.

Defending champions 4Aces GC will also be pleased with $7 million for joint third. And kudos to Tyrrell Hatton for stepping up as captain in the absence of Jon Rahm and guiding Legion XIII to fourth place and $4 million.

A lucrative week indeed for all involved as the new team format shows its potential. Big money on the line brought out the best in these professionals. Cam Smith and Ripper GC will savour their moment at the top, while lower ranked sides like Iron Heads GC proved the magic of sport is realizing potential. On to the next season!

Prize Money Breakdown

Here is a summary of the prize money distribution for the top teams:

1. Ripper GC

• Total Prize Money: $14 million
• Team Share (60%): $8.4 million
• Player Share (10% each): $1.4 million

2. Iron Heads GC

• Total Prize Money: $7 million
• Team Share (60%): $4.2 million
• Player Share (10% each): $700,000

3. 4Aces GC

• Total Prize Money: $7 million
• Team Share (60%): $4.2 million
• Player Share (10% each): $700,000

4. Legion XIII

• Total Prize Money: $4 million
• Team Share (60%): $2.4 million
• Player Share (10% each): $400,000

5. Stinger GC

• Total Prize Money: $3.25 million
• Team Share (60%): $1.95 million
• Player Share (10% each): $325,000

6. Fireballs GC

• Total Prize Money: $3 million
• Team Share (60%): $1.8 million
• Player Share (10% each): $300,000

7-8. Crushers GC, HyFlyers GC

• Total Prize Money: $2.625 million each
• Team Share (60%): $1.575 million each
• Player Share (10% each): $262,500 each

9. Majesticks GC

• Total Prize Money: $2 million
• Team Share (60%): $1.2 million
• Player Share (10% each): $200,000

10. Torque GC

• Total Prize Money: $1.65 million
• Team Share (60%): $990,000
• Player Share (10% each): $165,000

11. Cleeks GC

• Total Prize Money: $1.3 million
• Team Share (60%): $780,000
• Player Share (10% each): $130,000

12. RangeGoats GC

• Total Prize Money: $950,000
• Team Share (60%): $570,000
• Player Share (10% each): $95,000

13. Smash GC

• Total Prize Money: $600,000
• Team Share (60%): $360,000
• Player Share (10% each): $60,000

Read more: PGA of America Grants Pathway for LIV Golfers to Ryder Cup, PGA Championship

Competition Format

While the traditional stroke play format sees the lowest individual score counted each round, LIV Golf introduced an innovative twist for the Team Championship finale that undoubtedly spiced up the competition.

Rather than having the luxury of dropping their worst performer's tally as is customary, the pressure was better represented at Maridoe as all four players' efforts impacted their team's total. Every stroke mattered which brought an unprecedented drama to proceedings.

The consequences for shooting poorly were much greater, yet simultaneously, there was a greater reward if all four contributed on the same day. We witnessed the benefits of this in Ripper GC's impressive triumph.

The tournament structure of splitting teams into tiers based on prior performance also ensured there was maintained incentive right until the final holes were played, even for sides not competing at the tops levels.

Legion XIII exemplified the depth now within LIV rosters by rising to fourth while missing indispensable captain Jon Rahm. Tyrrell Hatton took the mantle superbly.

Through such tweaks to the established model, LIV Golf has undoubtedly ignited pulsating competition between new cross-regional partnerships. Seeing household names paired up against one another, motivated to succeed under various adjusted regulations, has lent real intrigue to their vision of elevating the tour experience. Long may such innovation and dramatics continue at their events.