Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
He stormed Rahmparts to become the king of golf’s castle
THE thrilling trajectory of Jon Rahm’s career has taken him to the very top of the sport.
The 25-year-old ousted Rory as the World No.1 at the weekend thanks to his dramatic win at The Memorial.
I can’t say I’m surprised – indeed I tipped him at 20/1 in last week’s column.
Rahm plays like a fearless trailblazer.
His win in Dubai last year was the first time a Spaniard held the mantle of European No1 since the great Seve.
It’s fitting that the toughest test this season on the PGA Tour helped identify the best player on the planet.
I first saw Rahm up close at the Irish Open in Portstewart in 2017 when he was paired with Rory over the first two rounds.
Granted, Mcilroy was off colour, but the Spaniard left him eating dust.
Rahm went on to secure the first of his two Irish Open titles that week and his swashbuckling style left a real impression on me.
He plays the game with his eyes and in the current climate of over-analysis and endless critique on swings, his instinctive approach is refreshing.
He is similar to Shane Lowry in that he goes on feel. He tries to make shots and doesn’t get immersed in the
technical side of the game.
I suspect he’s a little bit ‘meh’ when it comes to mechanics, but that’s fine. There’s a beauty to be found in a more intuitive approach.
The only downside? Playing on feel without getting results can fuel a sense of vulnerability which means he’s sometimes wrestling to keep the combustible side of his personality in check.
Rahm turned pro in 2016 after reaching the summit of amateur golf and in just seven starts secured his status for the 2017 PGA Tour.
Torrey Pines – that iconic course where Tiger has wowed and dominated in equal measure – staged his breakthrough win at the 2017 Farmers.
And it was delivered in true Rahm style – a dazzling 50ft eagle on the final green heralding his arrival on the world stage.
Wins have followed thick and fast and he is now a four-time winner on the PGA Tour and a six-time winner in Europe.
Credit must go to his caddie Adam Hayes. They have been together since 2016 and his experience has helped Rahm get the most from his game.
The question now is what next? He is a World No.1 without a major and with only three to play for this year that will be his primary focus.
Rahm has all the hallmarks of the modern player – power and touch – and the frightening thing is there’s more to come from him.