Rahm’s LIV Golf Journey: Masters Defense and Elite Competition
Explore Jon Rahm’s journey in the LIV Golf series as he eyes Masters glory amidst strong competition. Learn about his impressive defense, the talented LIV Golf players, and the emotional tribute to golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
Golf’s Elite Embrace LIV Talent as Rahm Eyes Masters Glory
Published: April 5, 2023 | Source: BBC Sports
If Jon Rahm needed any reassurance that his high-profile move to the LIV Golf series would not jeopardize his chances of winning more major championships, the evidence was there for all to see at last year’s Masters.
Despite starting his title defense with a disastrous four-putt double bogey, the Spaniard battled back and ultimately finished four shots clear of Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson. Patrick Reed, another LIV Golf participant, finished a further shot behind in a tie for fourth, showcasing the talent pool within the breakaway circuit.
This strong showing for the LIV contingent was further bolstered a month later when Koepka claimed his fifth major title at the US PGA Championship. While Rahm’s preparations for his Masters defense are vastly different from a year ago – three PGA Tour wins in eight starts compared to just five 54-hole LIV events – there is little doubt that the 28-year-old will be a force to be reckoned with.
As two-time US Open champion and ESPN analyst Curtis Strange admitted:
“I came in here last year thinking the same thing about all of the LIV players, the ones that potentially could win, and they proved me wrong. Two or three of them played really well. So I don’t think that’s a point anymore.”
Rahm’s victory last year held special significance, coming on the 40th anniversary of his idol Seve Ballesteros’ second Masters triumph and on what would have been the late Spanish golfing legend’s 66th birthday. The Spaniard even concluded his victory with a par on the 18th that would have made Ballesteros proud, despite his tee shot finding the trees.
In the aftermath, Rahm relished the opportunity to access parts of the Augusta National clubhouse usually off-limits, sharing a special moment with his father and wife Kelley on the balcony overlooking the iconic Magnolia Lane.
As Rahm prepares to defend his Masters title, the stage is set for another memorable week of golf, with the LIV contingent determined to prove their worth on the sport’s grandest stage.
🔗 Source
