Jon Rahm Triumphs in LIV Golf with Dramatic One-Stroke Victory
Jon Rahm clinched his first individual title in LIV Golf with an exhilarating one-stroke victory, finishing at an impressive 13 under par. Throughout the tournament, Rahm showcased consistent brilliance, carding rounds of 63, 70, and 67. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Rahm, who has meticulously honed his skills and resilience to emerge as a dominant force in the golf world.
On the final day, Rahm's performance was marked by a blend of precision and nerve. He scored 2 under on the front nine and made a decisive charge with three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. Despite a nerve-wracking three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, Rahm managed to maintain his composure and secure the victory.
His closest challengers included notable golfers Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith, who pushed Rahm to the limit. Hatton, in particular, had a 6-foot putt on the 18th green that could have forced a playoff, highlighting the high stakes and intense competition of the final round.
Reflecting on his win, an emotional Rahm said, "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."
This victory is particularly sweet for Rahm, considering the challenges he has faced this season. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and had to withdraw before the U.S. Open in 2024. Despite these setbacks, Rahm has shown remarkable resilience, accumulating nine straight top-10 finishes to start his LIV Golf career. His perseverance was evident as he commented, "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."
In the team competition, Legion XIII emerged victorious by three strokes over Ripper GC. This success was bolstered by standout performances from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent, who played pivotal roles in securing the team victory.
Rahm's focus now turns to the international stage, as he aims to represent Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National, alongside compatriot David Puig. The potential of bringing home a gold medal is a motivating factor for the Spanish golfer, who explained, "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."
While Rahm's victory was undoubtedly the highlight of the tournament, other notable performances added to the excitement. Andy Ogletree started his final round with back-to-back birdies, demonstrating the high level of competition among the players.
As Jon Rahm celebrates his landmark victory in LIV Golf, he does so not just as a champion, but as a testament to perseverance and resilience. With his unwavering determination and exceptional skill, Rahm has undoubtedly cemented his place among golf's elite, setting the stage for future successes both on the LIV Golf circuit and beyond.