Jon Rahm Claims First Individual Title in LIV Golf
Jon Rahm has solidified his reputation as one of golf’s brightest stars by clinching his first individual title in LIV Golf with a nail-biting one-stroke victory. The Spaniard finished at 13 under, triumphing over competitors Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith. Rahm’s victory was marked with rounds of 63, 70, and 67, showcasing his outstanding consistency and skill on the course.
The final day of the tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions for Rahm. He managed to score 2 under on the front nine and then made three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine, establishing a solid lead. However, the tension mounted when he had a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, almost jeopardizing his chances. Despite this wobble, Rahm maintained his composure to secure his victory.
His closest rival, Tyrrell Hatton, came agonizingly close to forcing a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green. Nevertheless, Hatton’s miss ensured Rahm’s path to victory. This win marks Rahm’s ninth consecutive top-10 finish since starting his career with LIV Golf, further emphasizing his exceptional form.
After his victory, an emotional Rahm reflected on his journey and the support from 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," he shared.
Indeed, Rahm's recent successes have contrasted with his challenges earlier this year, where he missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. His recent triumph is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Reflecting further on his achievement, he added, "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."
Team Success for Legion XIII
Rahm’s victory was also a significant milestone for his team, Legion XIII, who secured the team competition by three strokes over Ripper GC. The team effort was bolstered by notable performances from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, both of whom played crucial roles in Legion XIII's success.
Meanwhile, reflecting on his victory and future aspirations, Rahm is already looking ahead to the Olympics, aiming to represent Spain at Le Golf National alongside 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 expressed optimistically.
Notable Performances
Among the other notable performances during the tournament, Andy Ogletree's final round was particularly impressive as he started with back-to-back birdies, setting a strong pace early on. However, despite his excellent start, it was Rahm who ultimately stole the spotlight with his composed and consistent play across all three rounds.
In another highlight of Rahm's busy season, he finished in a respectable T7 position at Royal Troon, further cementing his status as a top contender in every event he enters.
Rahm’s latest win, underpinned by his remarkable sequence of top-10 finishes, serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and prowess on the greens. His journey this year has been a blend of emotional highs and technical excellence, making his ascent in the golfing world not only a personal triumph but also a thrilling spectacle for golf enthusiasts worldwide.