Jon Rahm secured his first individual title in LIV Golf with a nail-biting one-stroke victory, finishing at 13 under par. Rahm’s final rounds of 63, 70, and 67 demonstrated his consistent performance and tenacity, ultimately edging out notable rivals Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
On the final day, Jon Rahm showcased his mettle by scoring 2 under on the front nine. He then made an impressive series of three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine, solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard. Despite a momentary lapse with a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, Rahm managed to hold his nerve under immense pressure.
Hatton, ever a formidable competitor, had a chance to force a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green, but it ultimately slipped by, giving Rahm his hard-earned victory. This triumph marks Rahm’s ninth consecutive top-10 finish since joining the LIV Golf circuit, a testament to his remarkable consistency and resilience.
Reflecting on his achievement, Rahm shared, "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."
This emotional victory is particularly significant for Rahm, who missed the cut at the PGA Championship and had to withdraw before the U.S. Open in 2024. These setbacks seemed to fuel his determination to succeed, culminating in this much-needed win.
Team Triumph
In the team competition, Legion XIII celebrated a robust victory, finishing three strokes ahead of Ripper GC. Key contributions came from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, who played instrumental roles in Legion XIII's success. This team effort highlights the depth of talent and camaraderie within the squad, propelling them to the top of the leaderboard.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Jon Rahm is setting his sights on representing Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National, aiming to pair with fellow Spaniard David Puig. "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," Rahm expressed with palpable relief and optimism.
Rahm’s focus remains sharp as he prepares for future competitions, underpinned by this surge of confidence from his recent victory. "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. 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 added, reflecting on the supportive dynamic he hopes will drive both players to excel at the Olympics.
Noteworthy Performance
Another highlight from the weekend included Andy Ogletree, who opened his final round with back-to-back birdies, illustrating the level of competition and skill present at the event. Rahm himself, after a challenging season, managed a commendable T7 finish at Royal Troon, underscoring his ability to rebound strongly.
As Jon Rahm continues to build on this momentum, his journey through the highs and lows of professional golf remains a gripping narrative for fans and fellow competitors alike. His unwavering dedication and recent victory signal a promising chapter in what has already been an illustrious career.