Successful sequel clearly proves that Rahmbo is a box office sensation
POWER and panache, fire and finesse – Jon Rahm ticks all the boxes for me.
The Spaniard is a force of nature, a superstar and now a record breaker.
Combustible? Yes, but he also ignites our imagination and thrills the galleries.
The World No4 plays the game with passion and style.
He is strong and fearless; the epitome of a modern day player.
Last week’s defence of his Spanish Open crown in Madrid was trademark Rahm throughout.
Faltering and spitting feathers at the start of his third round, then back in 28 to card a stunning eightunder 63 and match the course record.
Watching him turn on the afterburners down the back nine on Saturday to open up a five shot overnight lead was a sight to behold.
An equally impressive 66 on Sunday led to a procession as he eased to a five shot win over compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello.
It was first time the event had been won back-to-back in 66 years.
Victory at Club de Campo also earned him a special place in history as he celebrated his fifth European Tour title in only his 39th start.
The previous record was held by Seve, who reached the milestone in 49 appearances. Surpassing a Spanish legend and his hero will mean a lot.
I vividly recall watching Rahm live at the DDF Irish Open at Portstewart in 2017 and it shocked me how he bullied Rory on the opening two days.
He has a massive appetite to improve and when you match that with raw talent and courage, it’s a potent mix. Special things happen.
At times he is too aggressive, but that element of his game will improve with age. Let’s not forget, despite his stature, he’s still only 24.
He’s top of the Race to Dubai and his recent form is hugely impressive, with two wins and five other top-five finishes in his last 11 outings.
He also recorded his best ever return in majors this year with three top-11s at the Open, US Open and Masters and it is impossible to think he’ll not contend big time next year. Rahm’s emergence has heralded a changing of the guard in Spanish golf.
The spirit of Seve will always be there when you visit Spain while Sergio Garcia (inset) has flown the flag in recent years, but Jon is now the main man.
He had star billing in Madrid and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
It was refreshing to see so many Spanish players embrace their national open last week and even better to have them at the top of the leaderboard.
Spain has always had a wonderful relationship with the European Tour and with Rahm at the wheel, that bond can only grow.