Jon Rahm Clinches First LIV Golf Individual Title in Stunning Finish
Jon Rahm celebrated a milestone in his golfing career by clinching his first individual title in LIV Golf with a thrilling one-stroke victory, finishing at 13 under par. Rahm demonstrated his remarkable skill and determination with an impressive performance that featured rounds of 63, 70, and 67, ultimately securing his win against a competitive field that included Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
The victory was not just a testament to Rahm's exceptional talent but also a moment of personal significance. "It's just emotional, you know, it hasn't been the easiest for our family," Rahm shared. "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 journey to the title was a dramatic one. He started the final day with a 2 under on the front nine and quickly gained momentum with three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. However, a three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole added tension to the closing moments of his round. Despite this setback, Rahm maintained his composure to secure the victory.
The competition wasn't without its nail-biting moments. Tyrrell Hatton, one of Rahm's closest competitors, had a chance to force a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green. However, Hatton's miss allowed Rahm to clinch the title outright.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, Rahm said, "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."
This victory adds to Rahm's impressive golfing résumé, marking nine straight top-10 finishes to start his LIV Golf career. Despite missing the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrawing before the U.S. Open in 2024, Rahm's consistency and perseverance have shone through.
Team Success and Olympic Ambitions
Rahm's individual success was complemented by the triumph of his team, Legion XIII, which won the team competition by three strokes over Ripper GC. Key contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent were pivotal in securing the victory for Legion XIII, highlighting the collective effort behind the team's success.
Looking ahead, Rahm has his sights set on representing Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, with ambitions to compete alongside fellow Spaniard 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," Rahm remarked. "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."
Other Notable Performances
Beyond Rahm’s victory, there were other notable performances during the final round. Andy Ogletree started his day with back-to-back birdies, showcasing his potential and adding to the excitement of the tournament. Meanwhile, Rahm's earlier performance at Royal Troon, where he finished T7, further underlines his consistency and determination in the sport.
As Jon Rahm reflects on a week of high emotions and outstanding golf, his first individual LIV Golf title stands as a testament to his resilience and exceptional skill. The triumph not only enriches his personal legacy but also promises exciting future prospects, both in team events and on the international stage.