Jon Rahm Secures First Individual LIV Golf Title with Thrilling Win
Jon Rahm clinched his first individual title in the LIV Golf series, capturing a closely contested victory by a single stroke and finishing at an impressive 13 under. Rahm, who has been on an extraordinary run, achieved this milestone with rounds of 63, 70, and 67, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.
In a nail-biting finale, Rahm edged out strong competitors including Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith. His final day was marked by a score of 2 under on the front nine, followed by three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. However, tension peaked when Rahm, facing a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, saw his lead threatened. Tyrrell Hatton had a 6-foot putt on the 18th green that could have forced a playoff, but Rahm managed to hold on to his narrow lead.
Reflecting on this significant achievement, Rahm became visibly emotional. "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 triumph marks a return to form after a series of challenges. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024, but has collected nine straight top-10 finishes to start his LIV Golf career. This victory undoubtedly adds a significant chapter to his already illustrious career.
Expressing his relief, Rahm 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."
Rahm's success was not only individual but also contributed to his team’s victory. Legion XIII, with the aid of Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, claimed the team competition title, finishing three strokes ahead of Ripper GC. This dual success highlights Rahm’s role as both a key individual player and a crucial team member.
Rahm’s aspirations extend beyond individual titles, as he aims to represent Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, potentially teaming up with David Puig. Looking ahead, Rahm is optimistic about sharing this unique experience. "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."
The final round was further highlighted by Andy Ogletree, who started his day with back-to-back birdies, providing an early spark in the competitive atmosphere. Rahm’s overall performance, including a T7 finish at Royal Troon, underscores a period of consistency and excellence even amidst setbacks.
Jon Rahm's latest victory not only solidifies his standing in the world of professional golf but also serves as a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment to the sport. As he continues to build on this success, fans and competitors alike will be watching with keen interest.