Jon Rahm's Triumph in LIV Golf
With a display of grit and tenacity, Jon Rahm secured his first individual title in LIV Golf, edging out the competition with a one-stroke victory. Rahm's final score of 13 under was the result of a stellar performance across three rounds, posting scores of 63, 70, and 67. This win cements Rahm’s status as a consistent competitor, marking his ninth consecutive top-10 finish in his LIV Golf career.
On the final day, Rahm's round was a rollercoaster of emotions, characterized by a steady opening nine and a pivotal back nine. He finished the front nine at 2 under and exploded with three birdies in the first four holes of the back nine. Yet, the tension was palpable as he had a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th, giving the chasers a glimmer of hope.
Among his top rivals were Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith, each bringing their own intensity to the course. Hatton, in particular, nearly forced a playoff but missed a decisive 6-foot putt on the 18th green. This miss ultimately allowed Rahm to clinch the trophy outright.
Reflecting on his victory, Rahm shared the emotional significance of the win. "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 was also a source of personal relief for Rahm. "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."
However, Rahm not only shone in the individual competition but also contributed to Legion XIII's team success. Legion XIII triumphed in the team contest, winning by three strokes over Ripper GC. Rahm’s teammates Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent played crucial roles in this victory.
The win comes at a significant time for Rahm, who has had a challenging season in traditional golf tournaments. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. Despite these setbacks, his performance in LIV Golf has remained consistently impressive.
Rahm's focus now shifts to the global stage as he eyes the opportunity to represent Spain at the Olympics. The prospect of teaming up with David Puig at Le Golf National is motivating for the Spanish golfer. "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."
Elsewhere, Andy Ogletree started his final round with back-to-back birdies, showing promise for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Rahm’s previous performance at Royal Troon saw him finish T7, underscoring his consistent form throughout the year.
In the dynamic world of LIV Golf, Jon Rahm's victory stands out not just for its competitive significance but also for the personal and emotional narrative that accompanied it. As he continues to build on this momentum, both on the LIV Golf circuit and heading into the Olympics, Rahm's journey promises to be a compelling story for golf enthusiasts worldwide.