Jon Rahm emerged victorious in his first individual LIV Golf title, securing the win by a single stroke with an impressive 13 under finish. Rahm's steady performance included rounds of 63, 70, and 67, which ultimately placed him ahead of strong contenders Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
Rahm’s journey to victory featured standout moments, particularly his scoring two under on the front nine and producing three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine on the final day. However, it wasn't entirely smooth sailing for the 28-year-old Spaniard, who experienced a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, tightening the race for the title. The drama heightened when Hatton faced a crucial 6-foot putt on the 18th green that could have forced a playoff, but Rahm’s lead held firm.
A Year of Resilience and Triumph
Reflecting on his victory, Rahm expressed the emotional significance of the 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.”
The victory also comes as a relief for Rahm, who missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. “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.”
A Streak of Consistency
Rahm’s win extends his streak to nine straight top-10 finishes at the start of his LIV Golf career, showcasing both his consistency and competitive edge. His tenacity was evident throughout the tournament and even more so in clutch moments under pressure.
Team Triumph
Alongside Rahm’s individual success, Legion XIII celebrated a team competition victory, winning by three strokes over Ripper GC. Rahm's teammates, Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, played pivotal roles in the team's performance, contributing to a well-deserved win.
Looking Forward to the Olympics
As Rahm looks ahead, his focus shifts to representing Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National. Enthusiastic about teaming up with David Puig, Rahm expressed excitement for the challenge. “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.”
Reflecting on his latest achievement and the aspirations ahead, Rahm stands as a symbol of resilience and prowess in the face of both personal and professional challenges. His dedication continues to bring pride to his fans and family, making his journey and victories all the more commendable.