Jon Rahm Clinches First LIV Golf Title
Jon Rahm emerged victorious in LIV Golf by securing his first individual title, finishing one stroke ahead at 13 under par. Rahm's impressive play over the rounds of 63, 70, and 67 proved to be decisive, especially in a tightly contested final day at the course.
Starting strong, Rahm carded 2 under on the front nine before making three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. However, his journey was not without its challenges. A three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole brought some suspense to the day, making the final stretch a test of nerves. Tyrrell Hatton, who was one of Rahm's closest contenders, had a nail-biting opportunity with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green that could have forced a playoff, but ultimately fell short.
Reflecting on the triumph, 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 victory not only marks Rahm's first individual title in the LIV Golf series but also extends his remarkable run of form, as he now boasts nine consecutive top-10 finishes. Despite recent setbacks, including missing the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrawing before the U.S. Open in 2024, Rahm has demonstrated resilience and consistency.
"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, capturing the significance of the moment for him personally and professionally.
Rahm's performance was crucial not only for his individual success but also for his team, Legion XIII, which secured a team competition victory by three strokes over Ripper GC. Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent played pivotal roles in the team’s win, contributing essential scores to their collective triumph.
Looking ahead, Rahm has set his sights on representing Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National, alongside fellow Spaniard David Puig. "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 concluded.
Other notable performances include Andy Ogletree, who started his final round with back-to-back birdies, showcasing his prowess on the course. Rahm's consistent play over the season has fortified his reputation, and his recent 7th place finish at Royal Troon evidences his capability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
As Rahm continues to make headlines with his stellar performances, his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence keep him firmly in the spotlight, inspiring fans and fellow golfers alike.