Jon Rahm wins US Open to claim first major title
From a significant disappointment earlier in the month, Jon Rahm of Spain told himself that something good would come from that.
It sure didn’t take long for that to unfold for one of the world’s emerging golf stars.
Rahm shot 4-under-par 67 in the final round of the US Open to cap a remarkable turnaround from two weeks ago and capture his first major championship Sunday at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
“I’m a big believer in karma,” Rahm said. “After what happened a couple of weeks ago, I stayed really positive knowing big things were coming. I didn’t know what it was going to be... I got out of COVID protocol early. I just felt like the stars were aligning.”
Two weekends ago, Rahm dealt with devastation when a positive COVID-19 test meant he was forced to withdraw from the Memorial despite holding a six-shot lead after three rounds. That sent him into quarantine, putting his entry into the US Open in jeopardy.
Rahm’s four-round total of 6-under 278 was good for a oneshot victory on South African Louis Oosthuizen.
Rahm had birdies on the final two holes – both with putts of more than 18 ft. – to move to the front. It had been almost four decades since a golfer birdied the last two holes to win a US Open.
“I can’t even believe I made the last two putts,” he said.
But Oosthuizen, who was in the final pairing, had three holes to play at that point.
Oosthuizen secured five consecutive pars after a bogey on the par-3 11th, but a bogey on No. 17 pretty much ended his chances unless he could produce an eagle on the last hole – something he pulled off Saturday
on the par-5 layout.
Not this time, as he settled for birdie and a final-round 71.
“I’ll keep knocking on that major door,” Oosthuizen said.
Rahm, who became the first US Open champion from Spain, was on the practice range warming up for a potential playoff when the outcome was sealed.
He said he feels right at home on this California course, where he won for the first time on the PGA Tour by claiming the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open.
“I’m very biased,” Rahm said. “I love this golf course, but I think it’s going to become one of those iconic venues as well.”
Rahm became a father for the
first time earlier in the spring. So he celebrated Father’s Day in style. He now lives in Arizona, but he’s fond of San Diego.
“Every time we come here, we’re just happy,” Rahm said. “As soon we land in San Diego, we’re like ‘we’re in our spot.’”
Rahm, 26, tied for third place in the 2019 US Open for his previous best outing in a major. His background at the championship was notable because he was the low amateur in 2016, when he tied for 23rd.
Rahm matched for the best score in the field Sunday, with Patrick Reed and South Africa’s Branden Grace also shooting 67s. (Reuters)