Jon Rahm's inaugural individual victory in LIV Golf was nothing short of dramatic, culminating in a nail-biting one-stroke triumph. Rahm finished the tournament at 13 under, showcasing his remarkable skill and resilience across the entire competition.
Rahm's journey to this victory was marked by rounds of 63, 70, and 67, a testament to his consistent high-level performance. His closest competitors, Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith, pushed him to his limits. Rahm maintained his composure, scoring 2 under on the front nine and making three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine on the final day.
A Nervous Finish
The tension peaked on the 17th hole, where Rahm endured a nerve-wracking three-putt bogey on the par-3. Hatton, who had been steadily challenging Rahm throughout, had a 6-foot putt on the 18th green that could have forced a playoff. The miss sealed Rahm's triumphant finish, much to the relief and jubilation of Rahm and his supporters.
For Rahm, this victory carried profound personal significance. Reflecting on the win, he 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."
Season of Consistency
This win adds to Rahm’s commendable streak of nine straight top-10 finishes since joining LIV Golf, demonstrating his unwavering form. Yet, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Rahm missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024, moments that no doubt added to the emotional weight of this victory.
Despite these setbacks, Rahm's determination has been unwavering. "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," he expressed.
Team Triumph
In the team competition, Legion XIII claimed victory by three strokes over Ripper GC. Contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent were pivotal in securing the team win, complementing Rahm’s stellar play.
Olympic Aspirations
Looking ahead, Rahm’s sights are set on representing Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, alongside compatriot David Puig. His confidence buoyed by this recent success, Rahm is eager for future challenges. "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," he said.
As he looks to the future, Rahm’s resilience and skill continue to set him apart in the world of golf. His first individual victory in LIV Golf not only showcases his talent but also his ability to thrive under pressure, marking him as a formidable competitor in any tournament he enters.