Jon Rahm Triumphs at LIV Golf, Clinches First Individual Title
Jon Rahm secured his first individual title in LIV Golf with a stunning one-stroke victory, finishing at 13 under par. Displaying exceptional skill and determination, Rahm carded rounds of 63, 70, and 67, ultimately edging out competitors Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith.
On the final day, Rahm showcased his prowess on the greens. He recorded 2 under on the front nine and made three birdies across the first four holes of the back nine. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. A three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole added tension to the competition. Tyrrell Hatton had an opportunity to force a playoff with a 6-foot putt on the 18th green, but the putt did not drop, sealing Rahm’s victory.
Reflecting on his performance, Rahm expressed a mixture of relief and joy. "It's just emotional, you know, it hasn't been the easiest for our family. Kelly and I have gone through quite a bit … and to get this one done — she did tell me our son Kepa said to bring a trophy from this stretch of golf. I started to believe it was going to happen at one point today, maybe not in the last 20 minutes, but at least I can look in the camera and say I am bringing one home for them," Rahm said.
Rahm’s recent run in LIV Golf has been remarkable, with nine consecutive top-10 finishes to his name. Although he missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024, his resilience on the LIV Golf circuit has been unwavering. “Finally get one done. You never want to get those feelings to go on for too long and to get over that hump feels quite incredible. It's been a fantastic week and a fantastic year and (I'm) just relieved that it happened,” Rahm added.
Not only did Rahm celebrate individual success, but his team, Legion XIII, clinched the team competition by three strokes over Ripper GC. Contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent played a crucial role in the team’s victory. The camaraderie and collective effort showcased by Legion XIII were evident as they celebrated their hard-earned triumph.
Another standout performance came from Andy Ogletree, who began his final round with back-to-back birdies, adding excitement to an already thrilling day of golf.
Looking ahead, Rahm has his sights set on representing Spain in the Olympics at Le Golf National, aspiring to compete alongside David Puig. "I think that walk down 18 or down the back nine would have been a little bit harder had I not gotten a win, but getting over the hump and getting it done I think is going to give me a little extra confidence if I put myself in a good position on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to sharing the week with David. It's going to be fantastic, and hopefully, one of us can leave with the gold," Rahm enthused.
As Jon Rahm continues to build his impressive career in professional golf, his recent victory at LIV Golf stands as a testament to his skill, perseverance, and dedication. With eyes now set on the Olympics, Rahm is poised to add more accolades to his already stellar portfolio.