Rahm hits hole in one to fire hopes of going top of rankings

Jon Rahm hit a career-best 61, including a hole-in-one, to move into contention to win the WGC-Mexico Championship and boost his hopes of becoming world No1 for the first time.

The Spaniard made a superb start, posting six birdies in the first seven holes and another three on the back nine before producing his magical shot off the 17th tee.

His wedge at the 158-yard par-three landed just short of the hole before finding the cup on the second bounce in what was the second hole-in-one of the round, following the American Chez Reavie’s at the third.

Rahm’s 10-under round lifted him into a tie for fourth, alongside Rory McIlroy, on 11 under par four behind leader Justin Thomas, of the United States. If the 25-year-old Rahm wins the event without McIlroy finishing in the top three, he will supplant the Northern Irishman in the world rankings and become only the second Spaniard to be world No1, after Seve Ballesteros.

“This was one of those days where I got fortunate,” Rahm said. “I hit the right shots and I got the right bounces, and I took advantage of it. I just need to stay focused on what I have to do, knowing that I’m not going to get as lucky as I did today.”

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods’s focus on trying to be ready for the Masters, has been further emphasised by his decision not to appear in the Honda Classic event, being held just a few miles from his home.

The organisers are distraught that Jupiter’s most famous golfing resident has chosen to skip the $7million tournament at PGA National, with McIlroy, another local homeowner, also withdrawing.

“The idea is to peak around Augusta time, yes,’’ Woods said. “I just felt like I wasn’t going to be ready for next week.”