Jon Rahm Triumphs in LIV Golf, Claims First Individual Title
Jon Rahm has added another accolade to his already illustrious career by clinching his first individual title in LIV Golf with a nail-biting one-stroke victory. Rahm, finishing at 13 under par, outpaced a formidable trio—Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith—to secure the win.
Over the course of the tournament, Rahm showcased his exceptional skill and consistency. He posted impressive rounds of 63, 70, and 67, brilliantly navigating through an intensely competitive field. The final day witnessed a spectacular performance, with Rahm shooting 2 under on the front nine and making three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine.
However, the journey to victory wasn’t without its challenges. Rahm experienced a nerve-wracking three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, adding to the tension as the tournament drew to a close. Tyrrell Hatton came within a whisker of forcing a playoff, narrowly missing a crucial 6-foot putt on the 18th green.
This win marks a significant milestone for Rahm, coming after a challenging period. He has now accumulated nine straight top-10 finishes to start his LIV Golf career. Reflecting on the emotional journey, Rahm 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.”
Rahm's season has been a rollercoaster, having missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrawing before the U.S. Open in 2024. Yet, his resolve and determination remain undeterred. “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,” Rahm expressed.
Legion XIII also celebrated a significant achievement, triumphing in the team competition by three strokes over Ripper GC. Key contributions came from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, who played pivotal roles in securing the team victory.
As Rahm looks ahead, his aspirations extend beyond the LIV Golf circuit. He aims to represent Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, teaming up with compatriot 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 remarked.
Whether on individual pursuits or team triumphs, Rahm’s consistent excellence continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport. His victory serves as a testament to his skill, perseverance, and unyielding competitive spirit, heralding a new chapter in an already stellar career.