Jon Rahm Secures First LIV Golf Individual Title in Dramatic Finish
Jon Rahm Secures First LIV Golf Individual Title in Dramatic Finish
Jon Rahm clinched his first individual title in LIV Golf with a nail-biting one-stroke victory, finishing at 13 under par. The Spaniard's remarkable performance saw him complete rounds of 63, 70, and 67 to overcome a field that included Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
Strong Start and Tense Finish
Rahm began the final day strong, posting a score of 2 under on the front nine. His momentum continued with three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine, setting the stage for what seemed to be a comfortable finish. However, a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole injected a dose of tension into the closing stages.
As the pressure mounted, Hatton had an opportunity to force a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green, but he narrowly missed, allowing Rahm to secure the title.
"It's just emotional, you know, it hasn't been the easiest for our family," Rahm shared after his win. "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."
Consistent Performer
Rahm's victory is a continuation of his impressive run of form in LIV Golf. He has now secured nine straight top-10 finishes, showcasing consistent excellence since joining the tour. This victory, however, is particularly sweet as it marks his first individual triumph.
"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," Rahm said. "It's been a fantastic week and a fantastic year and (I'm) just relieved that it happened."
Despite his recent success in LIV Golf, Rahm faced challenges earlier in the year. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. Overcoming these setbacks to claim victory is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Team Success and Future Goals
In addition to his individual glory, Rahm contributed to Legion XIII's victory in the team competition. The team, which also included notable contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, won by three strokes over Ripper GC.
Rahm also has his sights set on representing Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National alongside David Puig. His recent form and newfound confidence bode well for his prospects.
"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," Rahm stated. "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."
Notable Performances
Other notable performances include Andy Ogletree, who started his final round with back-to-back birdies, adding excitement to the leaderboard. Rahm's journey to this victory is a testament to his perseverance, skill, and resolve in the face of formidable competition.
In another competition, Rahm showed his ability to contend on different courses by finishing tied for 7th at Royal Troon, further underscoring his versatility and competitive spirit.
With his first LIV Golf individual title now in hand, Jon Rahm's future looks brighter than ever, and his journey will undoubtedly continue to captivate golf fans around the world.
