Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
He will Rahm open door to greatness
JON RAHM is the most exciting European talent to emerge since Rory Mcilroy. The Spaniard’s numbers – just 12 months into his pro career – are frightening. He has adapted seamlessly to the professional environment and his star is definitely on the rise. Prior to the 2016 US Open, Rahm sat 551st in the world rankings. Ten months later, he has climbed to ninth. That is incredible. At the weekend, Rahm just missed out at Colonial with a T2, but he looks so assured at this level. Crucially, he continues to show a big game mentality. I remember him finishing T5 as an amateur at the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open and the biggest thing that stood out that day was his unflappable personality. Here was a 20-year-old performing close to his college base in Arizona, yet he relished the pressure and spotlight. In just 26 PGA Tour events, he has amassed more than $5m in prize money. Every time he tees it up, he looks capable of contending. A win at the Farmers in January, 11 top-10s, three seconds and two third place finishes speaks for itself. The stats point to future greatness and potentially the most productive European of all time. Rahm has everything you’d want in a golfer – phenomenal power, great touch, imagination and a strong desire to win. Many top amateurs have threatened big things but failed to deliver on the professional stage. Not Rahm. He is the real deal. His confidence and mindset separate him from the dreamers. It’s also rare to see a top player bucking the trend by performing with such unbridled emotion. No modern day, blank stare for this exuberant Spaniard. In many ways, he is Tiger-esque in terms of the heat and fire he brings to the sport. It really is refreshing to see a superstar in the making, ready to pick up the Ballesteros baton. Rahm may not have the charisma of Seve, but he has a golf game to die for. I genuinely see Majors galore for this kid and I know others rate him very highly. I spoke to Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn in Sicily last week and he sees him as a future stalwart of the European team. His personality and game are perfect for that environment. European golf hasn’t seen a talent like this for a decade. Rahm will tee it up at this year’s Irish Open and it’ll be terrific to see that talent at close quarters. I can only imagine some of the yardage he will leave himself at Portstewart. European golf has a new hero to get very excited about.