Jon Rahm clinched his first individual title in LIV Golf with a thrilling one-stroke victory, finishing at 13 under. In what has been a remarkable journey, Rahm delivered a composed performance, posting rounds of 63, 70, and 67, solidifying his standing in the world of professional golf.
The final day of the tournament saw Rahm playing with unwavering concentration. He scored 2 under on the front nine and made three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. However, a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole introduced a flicker of tension. Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith were in hot pursuit, with Hatton narrowly missing a 6-foot putt on the 18th that would have forced a playoff.
A Moment of Reflection
After his triumph, Rahm reflected on his emotional journey. "It's just emotional, you know, it hasn't been the easiest for our family. Kelly and I have gone through quite a bit … and to get this one done — she did tell me our son Kepa said to bring a trophy from this stretch of golf. I started to believe it was going to happen at one point today, maybe not in the last 20 minutes, but at least I can look in the camera and say I am bringing one home for them," Rahm shared.
The victory is a significant milestone as Rahm had missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrawn from the U.S. Open in 2024. With this win, Rahm has now accumulated nine straight top-10 finishes to start his LIV Golf career, highlighting his impressive consistency.
Pressure and Perseverance
"Finally get one done. You never want to get those feelings to go on for too long and to get over that hump feels quite incredible. It's been a fantastic week and a fantastic year and (I'm) just relieved that it happened," he said, expressing his sense of relief and accomplishment.
This victory not only adds another feather to Rahm's cap but also boosts his confidence as he continues to compete at the highest level. "I think that walk down 18 or down the back nine would have been a little bit harder had I not gotten a win, but getting over the hump and getting it done I think is going to give me a little extra confidence if I put myself in a good position on Sunday," Rahm admitted.
Team Success
Rahm's triumph was echoed by Legion XIII's success in the team competition, where they emerged victorious by three strokes over Ripper GC. Key contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent played a pivotal role in securing the team win, further solidifying Legion XIII's dominance.
As the number one individual player and a key team player, Rahm's dual success underscores the depth of his talent and determination.
Eyes on the Olympics
Looking ahead, Rahm is excited about representing Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National alongside David Puig. "I'm really looking forward to sharing the week with David. It's going to be fantastic, and hopefully, one of us can leave with the gold," Rahm remarked, emphasizing his optimism for future challenges.
In the meantime, Rahm's performance at Royal Troon, where he finished T7, and Andy Ogletree’s strong start with back-to-back birdies in the final round, add to the highlights of a compelling season.
Jon Rahm's latest triumph marks a significant chapter in his career, showcasing his resilience, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With his family’s support and his own tenacity, Rahm continues to set the bar high, aiming for even greater heights in the world of golf.