Jon Rahm has finally etched his name into the annals of LIV Golf history by clinching his first individual title with a thrilling one-stroke victory. Rahm showcased his undeniable skill and nerve, finishing at 13 under with consistent rounds of 63, 70, and 67, outpacing seasoned pros like Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
Rahm’s Route to Victory
On the final day, Rahm demonstrated strategic brilliance and resilience. Starting the front nine with a score of 2 under, he capitalized on early momentum to make three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. The drama heightened when Rahm encountered a setback—a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole. However, his earlier lead buffered this hiccup, ensuring his hold on the top spot.
Hatton, vying closely for the title, faced his own pivotal moment on the 18th green. A 6-foot putt could have forced a playoff, but it slid by, allowing Rahm to emerge victorious. This victory not only marked a personal milestone for Rahm but also extended his remarkable streak, tallying nine straight top-10 finishes since the inception of his LIV Golf career.
Emotional Triumph
In the aftermath of his win, Rahm opened up about the emotional journey leading to this triumph. “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 expressed with palpable relief.
The win was not just about a trophy but also about overcoming personal and professional hurdles. “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 continued, highlighting the significance of this victory in his storied career.
Team Victory and Future Aspirations
Adding to Rahm’s accolades, his team, Legion XIII, captured the team competition title by three strokes over Ripper GC. Performances from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent were crucial in securing this victory, underscoring the team effort that complements Rahm’s individual brilliance.
As Rahm reflected on his journey, he also looked ahead with optimism. Rahm has his sights set on representing Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, teaming up with 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 shared enthusiastically.
Overcoming Setbacks
This victory comes after a season of mixed results for Rahm, who missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. Yet, his recent performance at LIV Golf suggests that he has rebounded admirably, evidenced by his top-10 finish streak and his recent T7 finish at Royal Troon. These results indicate that Rahm's form is peaking at just the right moment as he eyes future competitions and goals.
In the backdrop of his victory, Andy Ogletree also made waves by starting his final round with back-to-back birdies, showcasing the depth of talent within the tournament.
Rahm’s journey through the highs and lows of professional golf continues to resonate with fans and aspiring golfers alike. His latest victory in LIV Golf not only adds another chapter to his illustrious career but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting era ahead.