RAHM’S NO 1 TARGET
Spanish star is out to take top spot from Rory
JON RAHM is ready to go mano-a-mano with Rory McIlroy for the world No 1 spot when the PGA Tour returns tomorrow.
But the Spaniard does not want to wear an on-course microphone – a new addition on the tour – because he fears he will get caught swearing.
The two Ryder Cup teammates will form a stellar group with world No 3 Brooks Koepka at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas.
Sixteen of the world’s top 20 will feature in the first elite golf event to be held for 91 days.
And Rahm, below, will become only the second Spaniard, after the legendary Seve Ballesteros, to top the rankings if he wins at the Colonial Country Club and McIlroy does not finish second.
“I’m not surprised we are playing together – I figured they were going to entice the viewers with a couple of really good groups,” said last year’s European No 1.
“No crowd but fun to play with the best players in the world and see what everybody has been up to. It’s hard to say who is the best after not competing for three months.
“It all depends on who has prepared the best or who has handled the situation the best, or who even handles these new rules on the PGA Tour the best.” Rahm was tested for Covid19 yesterday and will follow strict social-distancing regulations. But the hot-headed Spaniard will not wear a microphone to allow TV viewers to listen in.
“I don’t think it would be as entertaining as people think,” said Rahm. “Now, selfishly, because I know how I am on the golf course, I wouldn’t support it just because they might need a 20, 30-second difference from live, it might be a little bit delayed.
“And I’m not the only one. A lot of people swear. I don’t think it would be the best thing to do.”
World No 4 Justin Thomas said: “I would not wear a mic. That’s not me. What I talk about with caddie Jimmy Johnson, and what I talk about with the guys in my group, is none of anybody else’s business, no offence.” ❑THE Evian Championship in France – one of the five women’s golf Majors – has been cancelled because of the coronavirus travel restrictions.
The Women’s British Open is still scheduled for Royal Troon from August 20-23, while the three US Majors will be held later in the year.