For all the talk of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka sitting at the top of the world rankings, there is a new man in town. A new bull who has the vast talents and passion to power to the pinnacle of world golf.
Jon Rahm had his first chance to become world number one over the weekend, needing to win the Genesis Invitation in Los Angeles to unseat McIlroy in top spot.
The 25-year-old struck a five-under 279 to share 17th place, finishing six shots behind overall winner Adam Scott.
A top-20 is a solid finish for most pros on tour, but it was, remarkably, Rahm’s second worst result since May 2019.
It further underlines his consistency, class and experience, to keep putting himself in contention on every given weekend.
Since a T3 finish at the US Open in June, he has recorded three wins, four runners-up, two top-5s, three top-10s and three top-20s from 15 starts.
To zone in even further on his consistency, he has averaged a finishing position of 5.7th place in his last 15 events, since sharing third with Xander Schauffele and Justin Rose at Pebble Beach.
In 53 per cent of those tournaments, he has clinched third place or better. Nobody else in the game boasts better solidity over the last eight months than the Spaniard.
Although he fell to 11th in the rankings last June, the Barrika man has bounced back up to third and is now within reach of both McIlroy and Koepka.
McIlroy and Koepka may milk most of the attention for now but, increasingly, it feels like a matter as to when for Rahm, as the race to number one continues to tighten.
Rahm reached a career high second in the world in February 2018 and now could become the first Spaniard to hold the top spot since Seve Ballesteros in 1989.
He’ll have the chance to secure number one again this year, and it’s hardly out of the realm of possibility given his devastating run of form since the summer.
The reigning Race to Dubai winner’s play from the tee is a significant asset to his locker. He ranked sixth in scoring average (69.618) on the PGA Tour last campaign, and was ranked top five in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee in all three of his first Tour seasons.
All pro golfers dream of winning majors, and whether you are 450th or number one ranked in the world, everyone wants to taste that ultimate glory. Only few are lucky enough to experience that feeling and achieve their primary goal though.
Rahm has done a lot at his young age – he does not turn 26 until November – and shows no signs of slowing down yet either.
Constant contention at tournaments and a thirst to always improve has been at the centre of his personality. Traits that are sure to bear fruit eventually.
Sergio Garica may be Spain’s last major winner, but with power off the tee and a magical short game, Rahm has the potential to summon the spirit of Seve and be the next Spain great on the major stage.
