Jon Rahm Triumphs with First LIV Golf Individual Title
In a thrilling display of precision and poise, Jon Rahm clinched his first individual title in LIV Golf with a nail-biting one-stroke victory. Rahm's performance culminated with a final score of 13 under, and rounds of 63, 70, and 67 to secure the win.
Rahm's journey to victory was marked by moments of brilliance and a few heart-stopping mishaps. On the final day, he played a composed front nine, scoring 2 under. However, it was his spectacular play on the back nine that truly set him apart, as he notched three birdies across the first four holes.
The tournament was not without its tense moments. A three-putt bogey on the par-3 17th hole threatened to derail Rahm's march to victory. Meanwhile, Tyrrell Hatton was closing in, needing only a 6-foot putt on the 18th green to force a playoff. Hatton’s narrow miss sealed Rahm’s triumph, leaving him with the well-deserved title.
"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 revealed after his victory.
Rahm's triumph over a fierce field that included Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, and Cameron Smith, further cements his standing as one of the top golfers in the world. This victory adds to an already impressive record, having achieved nine consecutive top-10 finishes since starting his LIV Golf career.
Reflecting on his latest achievement, Rahm shared, "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."
The journey has not been entirely smooth for Rahm this year. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and withdrew before the U.S. Open in 2024. These setbacks seemed to spur him on, fueling his determination to succeed in the LIV Golf arena.
The team competition was no less riveting, with Legion XIII emerging victorious by a margin of three strokes over Ripper GC. Key contributions from Caleb Surratt and Kieran Vincent played a critical role in securing the win for Legion XIII.
Looking ahead, Rahm’s aspirations extend beyond individual accolades. He has set his sights on representing Spain at the Olympics, alongside compatriot 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 said.
Other notable performances in the tournament included Andy Ogletree, who kicked off his final round with back-to-back birdies, and Jon Rahm’s earlier T7 finish at Royal Troon.
Rahm's victory is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to his resilience and persistence in the face of adversity. His ability to maintain composure under pressure and deliver when it matters most underscores why he is one of the sport's most celebrated athletes today.