Jon Rahm hopes to do better than last year and win both the Memorial Tournament and the US Open.
Jon Rahm recalled how his dramatic retirement from the Memorial last year sparked a US Open title run and hopes to challenge Tiger Woods’ record again at Muirfield.
The 27-year-old, who won the Memorial Tournament in 2020, lifting him to No. 1 in the world for the first time in his career, had to retire with Covid in 2021 while holding a six-shot lead after 54 holes.
Rahm was undaunted, despite such a setback, and just two weeks later he won the US Open and, returning to Muirfield Village Golf Club this year, admitted that the golf he had played in the Memorial Tournament had just done it. “comfortable and confident” towards Torrey Pines.
“I mean, it wasn’t really a low point, though. Yes, I left the field, they told me I couldn’t play and I was angry for about ten minutes,” Rahm said.
“I allowed myself to be upset. But instantly my switch flipped and I called my wife and made sure she was okay and my son was okay.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, Rob Lee claims that Jon Rahm’s swing is the best he has seen in the game.
“Once I knew they were okay, I was in my little trailer, this little Covid cabin that we had, and my caddy and I were laughing. We ordered milkshakes and laughed at the fun part of it all.
“I mean, the fact that it happened; that he had a six shot lead and he’s gone, I can’t even play, can I? I mean, it’s just that the irony of it all made us laugh.
“But in that moment, I chose to remember how well I had played. He had played great golf all of last year, but this was the first time it all clicked, and it was right before most of the season.
“So I felt nothing but comfortable and confident going into the summer. And really, I didn’t let that stop me and played great golf the rest of the summer until the Ryder Cup.
“I chose to stay on the positive side of things. And when I got home and was dealing with Covid, I still had hope. All the hard work I’ve put in over the last few months since I moved to Callaway just doesn’t work out right.
“So I was sure when I got into Torrey that I could do it, and that’s what I’m saying, it wasn’t really a low point. »
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Jon Rahm hits a massive 417-yard drive for birdie on the first hole of his second round at the PGA Championship
As this year’s tournament kicks off on Thursday, the world number two believes that while last year’s result doesn’t make him angry, it gives him the motivation to win this year and ultimately challenge Tiger Woods’ record on the field.
“It’s not like I have one more lap. It is a completely new tournament,” Rahm added.
“I can’t play, let’s say, angry about what happened last year. Is it motivation? Yes. But you know, it’s not much added to what I already had.
“Unfortunately, last year, I think that would have been the case: If he had won, he would have been the first since Tiger to win in a row.
Live PGA Golf Tour
June 3, 2022, 5:00 p.m.
Live from 
“So for that to happen, I’m going to have to win this year. So if I show up next year playing well again, I’ll be able to do it.
“So I’m going to focus on that. There were a lot of things I was looking forward to last year. One of them was coming close to one of Tiger’s records on the field.
“But again, the nice thing about golf is there’s always a next week and a next year. Once again, I have another chance this time. »
Watch the Memorial Tournament, live on Sky Sports Golf, from Thursday.
Get the best prices and book a round at any of the 1,700 courses in the UK and Ireland
Leave a Reply