JON: I LOVE THIS PLACE
PORTSTEWART GC Rahm feeds off his new Irish fans to hit front
IRISH OPEN GOLF
The 22-year-old, chasing his first ever win on the European Tour, held the joint overnight lead on 17-under alongside little known American Daniel Im.
Rahm, who was born in Bilbao but now plays predominantly in the States, has been amazed how the packed Irish galleries have taken him to heart.
More than 23,000 spectators poured into Portstewart yesterday to see the World No11 step aboard “the birdie train” at the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th to shoot a round of 67.
Rahm, who tees it up with Im at 1.10pm, said: “It seems like the Irish crowd has decided to support me like I was one of their own. It’s been incredible.
“It obviously helps a lot when you have a couple hundred people following you and supporting you. I think I just let that energy drive me.
“Even when I wasn’t playing my best golf on the front nine, the fans were extremely supportive of every putt and good swing. It’s been unbelievable.”
On the prospect of joining the legendary Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia as a Spanish winner at this event, Rahm said: “It could be a very special day.
“The tournament has a very good Spanish history and it would be amazing to join that.
Im, who started the week as a 300/1 outsider, continued to defy his World No.542 ranking with a 4-under round of 68.
Relishing today’s showdown with Rahm, the California-based 32-year-old said: “It’s going to be amazing. He’s one of the fastest rising stars in the world. I think it’ll be fun.”
The chasing pack in today’s final round includes Frenchman Benjamin Hebert (-16), Hideto Tanihara of Japan (-15) and Julien Quesne who shot a 64 to end the day on -14.
2013 US Open champion Justin Rose remains in contention at 13-under alongside Scott Hend.