In a gripping display of skill and resilience, Jon Rahm secured his first individual title in the LIV Golf series with a one-stroke victory, finishing at an impressive 13 under. The triumph, marked by rounds of 63, 70, and 67, underscored Rahm's consistency and competitive edge in a dynamic field.
Rahm's masterful performance saw him outplay notable competitors Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith. On the final day, Rahm delivered a solid 2 under on the front nine and notched three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. This stellar run set the stage for his ultimate success, despite a challenging three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole.
A Heartfelt Victory
After clinching the title, Rahm opened up about the personal significance of this victory. "It's just emotional, you know, it hasn't been the easiest for our family," he shared. "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's journey to the top of the podium was not without its tense moments. Tyrrell Hatton had the opportunity to force a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green, but Rahm held his ground. Reflecting on the victory, Rahm said, "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."
Building Momentum
This win continues Rahm's remarkable streak, marking his ninth consecutive top-10 finish to start his LIV Golf career. The victory at Royal Troon also added to his impressive record, where he finished T7. Despite missing the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrawing before the U.S. Open in 2024, Rahm's persistent drive and performance in LIV Golf have been nothing short of spectacular.
A Team Effort
In addition to Rahm's individual glory, Legion XIII triumphed in the team competition, winning by three strokes over Ripper GC. Contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent were pivotal in securing Legion XIII's victory, showcasing the strength and depth of the team.
Olympic Aspirations
Looking ahead to future challenges, Rahm has set his sights on representing Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National, with teammate David Puig. Sharing his thoughts on the matter, Rahm expressed optimism about the opportunity. "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."
Additionally, Andy Ogletree's notable start with back-to-back birdies on his final round added another layer of excitement to the tournament. As the competition continues to heat up, the anticipation for forthcoming events is palpable among fans and players alike.
Jon Rahm's recent success is a testament to his relentless determination and skill, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the world of golf. As he continues to build on his achievements, the golfing community eagerly awaits the next chapter in what promises to be an illustrious career.