Jon Rahm’s ascension to the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) following his victory in the Memorial Tournament marked the realisation of a childhood dream for the Spanish star.
The 25-year-old carded rounds of 69, 67, 68 and 75 for a nine-under-par total at Muirfield Village, picking up his fourth PGA Tour title by three shots over Ryan Palmer … and this was despite Rahm being penalised two strokes at the par-three 16th, where it was assessed from a video review that the ball had moved slightly before he chipped in for an apparent birdie from the rough.
Rahm noted that he first set his sights on becoming the best player in the world while in his early teens.
“I heard an interview with my golf coach back in Spain when I was younger, Eduardo Celles. We were coming back from practice somewhere and he asked me about my ambitions. I had just started with him – I think I was 13, 14, around that age – and I said straight up that I want to be the best player in the world,” shared Rahm, who became the second Spaniard after Seve Ballesteros to achieve the No 1 world ranking.
“I made that deal with myself very young and everything I’ve done golf-wise has been to become number one in the world and become the best player I can be.”
Rahm took over the World No 1 spot from Rory McIlroy, who finished T32 at Muirfield Village.
“It’s pretty surreal to think it’s happened this quickly, right, in less than 10 years. I mean, how many people get to achieve a lifelong team, a short lifelong dream, in their mid-20s? It’s incredible. To be the second Spaniard to ever do it, given there’s not many Europeans that have gotten to this spot, it’s a pretty unique feeling … so I’m going to enjoy it for a while,” noted Rahm.
At age 25 years, 8 months and 9 days, Rahm is the fifth youngest player to reach the No. 1 position, behind Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, McIlroy and Justin Thomas.
In Jon Rahm’s Bag:
Driver: TaylorMade SIM (10.5°) with Aldila Tour X shaft
Fairways: TaylorMade SIM (15°) with Aldila Tour X shaft
TaylorMade SIM (18°) with Graphite Design Tour ADX shaft
Irons: TaylorMade P750 (4-9, P) with Project X 6.5 Rifle shafts
Wedges: TaylorMade MG Hi Toe (52°)
TaylorMade MG2 (56°, 60°) with Project X 6.5 shafts
Putter: TaylorMade Spider X chalk
Ball: TaylorMade TP5 #10
