Jon Rahm Clinches First Individual Title in LIV Golf
Jon Rahm has secured his first individual title in LIV Golf, triumphing with a one-stroke victory. Rahm showcased his skill and determination, finishing the tournament at 13 under par. His impressive rounds of 63, 70, and 67 highlighted his consistency and resilience, especially as he faced and overcame tough competition from the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
Rahm’s performance on the final day was nothing short of remarkable. He started strong, scoring 2 under on the front nine, and then made three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine, building a commanding lead. Despite a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th, Rahm managed to hold his nerve and secure the win. Hatton, who had a chance to force a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green, ultimately fell just short.
Reflecting on his victory, Rahm shared the emotional significance of this win for him and his family. "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 said.
Rahm also highlighted the personal relief and confidence that came with the win. "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."
This victory marks Rahm's ninth straight top-10 finish to start his LIV Golf career, cementing his status as one of the top contenders in the league. However, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth for the Spanish golfer, as he missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. Despite these setbacks, Rahm's recent performance underscores his ability to rebound and excel under pressure.
In the team competition, Legion XIII emerged victorious, winning by three strokes over Ripper GC. Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent played pivotal roles in securing the team’s success. Rahm, a crucial member of Legion XIII, continues to play an instrumental role in the team's overall accomplishments.
Looking ahead, Rahm has his sights set on representing Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, paired with David Puig. His sights are firmly set on bringing home a gold medal. "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 expressed.
This victory is more than an individual achievement for Rahm; it is a testament to his perseverance and relentless pursuit of excellence. As the golfing world watches, Rahm continues to be a beacon of talent and sportsmanship, showcasing why he is considered one of the top players in the sport today.