The PGA Tour’s Most Recent Winner, John Rahm
Jon Rahm returns to World No.1 after winning the Genesis Invitational.
The west coast swing of the PGA Tour’s 2023 season wrapped up last weekend at the Genesis Invitational as the stars of the game teed it up at the historic Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.
After beating out Max Homa in the final round, Jon Rahm secured his third win of the season in just six starts.
The three other starts were all top ten finishes; his worst finish was tied for eighth at the Hero World Challenge.
There were several two-shot swings between Homa and Rahm that kept both in the race up until the very end.
The Spaniard recorded a two-under 33 on the front nine before bogeying holes 10 and 12 to take him back to even par for the day.
Homa had the lead going into the par-four thirteenth hole, but a wayward tee shot left him in trouble, and he walked away with a five.
Rahm, who also had a tee shot come out to the left was in a better position than Homa and was able to save par. He retook the lead with a birdie on 14 and made it a two-shot lead on 16; Homa parred out the rest of the way and fell just short of the red-hot Rahm.
The Spaniard’s patience is key to his play. He never forces a shot, and his focus is commendable. While at times he shows frustration, his game plan is methodical regardless.
When most might get flustered in tense situations as the pressure mounts, Rahm will slow down and seems to control all that he can.
If consistency is key, then Rahm’s unlocked it. It’s as simple as that.
With the victory, Rahm returned to World No. 1 for the first time since March and he extended his lead atop the FedEx Cup.
Because of his play, he will be a favorite in nearly every event to come and maybe there will be another major victory in his path.
Even if Rahm is not at the top of the leaderboard, he’s a player that should never be counted out because of his ability to go low.
Need a bomb off the tee, he’s your guy. Need an iron shot close, he can do that too. Long range putt, just check the highlight reels because he’s done it. And he will do it again.
The path Rahm is taking in 2023 is one to watch. He will want to remain World No.1 for as long as possible, but there are so many stars who could snatch it from him and they are all probably biting at the line as we speak.
Amanda Vogt is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email her at aev5215@psu.edu
