Rahm hopes Irish bond propels him to 1st major title

148th British Open

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PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – There’s something about playing golf on the island of Ireland that brings out the best in Jon Rahm.

The warmth and pride of the people, the community feel in the fishing villages, even – believe it or not – the weather, all remind him of his modest, coastal hometown of Barrika in Spain’s Basque Country region.

Perhaps that’s the reason why he has won the Irish Open twice in the past three years, roared on by huge galleries wherever he goes.

And maybe it’s what will turn this most fiery of golfers into a major champion this week at Royal Portrush.

“It’s the closest I’ll ever feel to playing at home,” Rahm said Wednesday, “without being at home.”

The first of his Irish Open victories came just down the road at Portstewart in 2017. He shot a closing 65 to win the title – his first on the European Tour – by six shots in a record-breaking total score of 24-under par.

A little more than a year into his pro career at the time, Rahm couldn’t remember playing any better, and it made him believe he could win the British Open one day.

He hasn’t done himself justice in his three appearances at golf ’s oldest major, finishing 59th and 44th before missing the cut at Carnoustie last year, but a second Irish Open win at Lahinch two weeks ago made him feel good about his links game again. He shot 62 to overturn a 5-stroke deficit in the final round.

“If I ever have doubt, which I shouldn’t, I can always remind (myself) that I’ve been able to win twice here,” Rahm said. “That’s the reason why I can get it done.”

Both of those wins came in relatively mild, wind-free conditions, but it is likely to be different at Royal Portrush this week. It was rainy and blustery Wednesday – Rahm went to the first tee in the morning, spent a few minutes there, and walked inside again – and more of the same is forecast for this week as the event returns to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years.

Rahm expects to have to grind his way around, rely on a bit of luck, and keep mentally strong. That doesn’t come easy to a player whose temper has been known to get the better of him.

has finished in the top 5 in the British Open 5 times since he first played in the major in 2010. He won the 2014 tournament, finished 2nd in 2018, 3rd in 2010, 4th in 2017 and fifth in 2016. He did not play in 2015 due to an injury.

Thursday-Friday, 10:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. (Golf Channel) Last time the Americans have swept the majors. The R&A says 237,500 tickets have been sold for the week, the second most in British Open history behind St. Andrews. Above: Jon Rahm is from Spain, but the former Arizona State golfer feels right at home in Northern Ireland, having won the Irish Open twice. Top: Rory McIlroy will be playing the British Open on home turf.

Spain's Jon Rahm waits by the sixth tee on Tuesday during a practice round, ahead of Thursday’s start of the British Open in Northern Ireland.