Jon Rahm completing the PGA Championship on a T8 finish. It was an impressive performance, certainly bittersweet given that he had a chance to win it all nine holes from the finish. While there were plenty of mesmerizing shots throughout the tournament, it was Rahm’s driver and putter that stood out, both working in tandem with each other throughout the week. His short game faltered during the critical final holes, ultimately affecting his chance at victory.
Rahm’s path the winner’s circle highlighted his illustrious approach play, finishing inside the top 30 of the field. He had a great chance to take advantage of his lead but made difficult plays on key holes. A potential birdie on 13 round the edge of the hole and popped out, killing his burgeoning momentum. His play on the par-5 15th hole was perfection. It was a drive of such precision that it left him an 81-foot eagle putt.
As it turned out, the last few holes would be a pain point for Rahm. His second shot on the 17th hole went up-and-over a modest flag position. It ended up in the water, leading to a double bogey that cost him victory. He compounded this crushing result by making bogey on the 16th hole, then adding a second double bogey on the 18th. What would have otherwise been a competitive showing was sullied by these mishaps. Prior to this event, Rahm’s best finish in a major was a non-competitive tie for 7th at last year’s Open Championship.
As disappointing as this feels to Rahm, he remains hopeful. Looking forward, he chooses to look on the bright side of returning to being competitive again at a World Cup. He has played well on the LIV Golf tour, often finishing in the top 10. Accomplishing this success has given Chris a much-needed confidence boost on the course.
“God, it’s been a while since I had that much fun on a golf course, 15 holes,” – Jon Rahm
Rahm, as always, unfiltered and willing to wear his heart on his sleeve, admitted that the nerves got to him in the last couple of weeks. As a medical analyst, he told TIME that “Anyone who tells you nerves didn’t affect them is straight-up lying. You can count on your nerves being the least of it! It’s the main thing we do as a professional sport; it’s controlling what goes through your mind.” This candid admission underlines the psychological burden athletes must endure when put under immense pressure.
Reflecting on his overall performance, Rahm noted, “I think it was a bit of nerves. Can’t pinpoint exactly right now. I’ll go back to what happened. I didn’t feel like I rushed anything. I didn’t feel like the process was bad.” His evaluation reveals a reflective mindset focused on learning the right lessons about what went down during that fateful finish.
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