On Sunday, Jon Rahm won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open by six shots. He beat out competition from Scotland’s Richard Ramsey and England’s Matthew Southgate. Rahm finished on a total of 24-under-par, dwarfing the totals Southgate and Ramsey, who both finished at 18-under-par. Rahm’s total is both the lowest in Irish Open History. It is also the lowest on the European Tour this year. Rahm started the day with a share of the lead with American Daniel Im. He quickly pulled ahead as other competitors faltered. He closed with a brilliant round of 65. The round included a hole out for eagle on the 4th from around 170 yards.
Just How Good has Jon Rahm Been?
Jon Rahm has had a stellar career so far; of that there is no doubt. As an amateur at Arizona State he was a revelation. He won 11 collegiate tournaments. He was also the first amateur to win the Ben Hogan Award more than once. Not to mention his record 60 weeks as the No. 1 ranked Amateur in the world. He was also the low amateur at the 2016 U.S. Open. Rahm has had a meteoritic rise, reaching 8th in the world with his win at the Irish Open. But can he go one better? Can he reach World Number One as well as win multiple Majors?
Can Rahm be as good as Seve and José?
Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal were trailblazers for Spanish golf. Ballesteros, regarded as perhaps the greatest continental golfer of all-time had an impact that simply cannot be quantified. He amassed over 90 professional wins, including five majors. Olazábal was successful, although not to the extent that Ballesteros was. He had 30 career professional wins.
In terms of skill level, Jon Rahm is nearly as good as Olazábal and Ballesteros. Rahm has a modern, powerful swing. It allows him to destroy a golf course, as well as to pick his way around one. Rahm has the talent and mentality to come close to the achievements of Ballesteros, and with some ease surpass the achievements of Olazábal. However he, as no one ever will, will not come close to the emotional impact that Ballesteros had, with the sheer joy he brought golf. Rahm however has the talent to win many times on the PGA and European Tours and could win multiple majors, maybe even one this year.
The PGA Tour Roundup:
With his win at The Greenbrier Classic, Xander Schauffle joins a cohort of young guns that are amassing wins to their name, among them Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. Schauffle carded a sublime final round 67 to clinch the title, which included a brilliant tee shot on the 18th Hole that left only three feet for birdie. This win only adds to the feeling that golf is getting more competitive as so many young, talented players begin to emerge on the PGA Tour. Among the talented group of young players there are star names Jon Rahm and Jordan Spieth, showing just how good a place the game of golf is in.
This Week on Tour
This week the PGA Tour moves to TPC Deere Run in Silvis Illinois for the John Deere Classic. Ryan Moore returns to defend his title against a strong field that also includes Daniel Berger and Bubba Watson. For the second year running, Jordan Spieth will not be teeing it up at the John Deere, making him a notable absentee.
The European Tour moves to Dundonald Links in Ayrshire, Scotland for the Scottish Open. Alex Noren defends his title against an extremely tough field that also includes Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler. They should both be strong contenders. Many of the world’s best will be descending on Scotland in preparation for The Open, which begins on 20th July.
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