Jon Rahm Secures First LIV Golf Title with Thrilling One-Stroke Victory
In a nail-biting finale, Jon Rahm clinched his first individual title in LIV Golf, showcasing his determination and skill with a one-stroke victory. Rahm’s final score of 13 under was achieved through a series of impressive rounds, shooting 63, 70, and 67.
Rahm's victory did not come easily, as he defeated formidable competitors Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith. The final day saw Rahm navigating the front nine with a score of 2 under, followed by three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. Despite a challenging three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole, Rahm's performance was enough to secure his triumph.
"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 expressed, capturing the emotional gravity of his win.
Rahm’s path to victory was almost thwarted by Hatton, who had a crucial 6-foot putt on the 18th green that could have forced a playoff. However, luck favored Rahm, and he emerged victorious, marking his ninth consecutive top-10 finish since starting his LIV Golf career.
This win is particularly significant for Rahm, who faced setbacks earlier in the year by missing the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrawing from the U.S. Open in 2024. His triumphant return to form is a testament to his resilience and skill.
"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 reflected, underscoring the relief and joy of his achievement.
In the team competition, Legion XIII shone brightly, clinching the victory by three strokes over Ripper GC. Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent were pivotal to the team’s success, contributing significantly to the win.
Rahm’s focus now shifts to representing Spain in the upcoming Olympics at Le Golf National, alongside David Puig. Rahm is optimistic about the future, stating, "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."
Adding to the day's highlights, Andy Ogletree started his final round with back-to-back birdies, further emphasizing the competitive spirit present throughout the event. Meanwhile, Rahm’s consistency was evident from his previous performance, having finished T7 at Royal Troon.
As Rahm basks in the glory of his hard-earned victory, his journey and the emotional resonance of this triumph will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in his career and a beacon of inspiration for the golfing community.