I have what it takes: Rahm
Portstewart (UK), July 10: Spanish sensation Jon Rahm brilliantly emulated legendary fellow countrymen Seve Ballesteros in capturing the Irish Open and now he is seeking to do the same at next week’s British Open.
Rahm has moved to number eight in the world rankings following his dramatic six stroke success at Portstewart on Sunday.
The 22-year-old powerhouse, in only his first full season on both the European and PGA Tour’s, is now just three places being fellow Spaniard and reigning Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia.
Rahm’s victory in Ireland has marked him down as one of the favourites to become only the second Spanish-born golfer after Ballesteros to win golf ’s oldest Major that begins on July 20 at Royal Birkdale.
“I said at the beginning of the week of the Irish, even before the tournament started, that I haven’t played my best golf on links golf courses,” Rahm said.
“There was always something else. And to play the way I did here, it proves to me I can perform properly on a links golf course.
“And that’s what I’ve got to take to The Open. I know now that I have what it takes.
“Before that, there was a little bit of doubt in my mind but now I know that I have what it takes to win a tournament on a links golf course.
“The Open Championship, it’s a little different deal just because a major championship will be set up probably harder than this week was.”