“El Niño” grew tall and, even though other compatriots have emerged and occasionally grabbed headlines in the international press, the truth is that no one yet has been able to emulate the dazzling career of Sergio García in recent years.

This panorama could now change if the brilliant career of a young golfer from Biscay continues on its record-breaking current path, including one mark held by the man considered the greatest golfer in history, Jack Nicklaus.

This phenomenon is called Jon Rahm Rodríguez, who is only 20 years old and whose most recent feat was to finish fifth, nine shots behind the winner (Brooks Koepka), in the Phoenix Open on the US PGA Tour. Unquestionably a stunning result, especially taking into account the fact that Rahmbo (his nickname in the US) is still an amateur.

Born in the small coastal town of Barrika, Jon is smashing records at the university where he studies (media) and which he competes for, Arizona State. Other great golfers to have come out of the university include Phil Mickelson, whose brother Tim is its current golf coach. Phil himself has become involved in coaching as assistant to the Arizona Sun Devils, as the university’s golfers are known.

The young Spaniard from Biscay and the Golden Leftie, the winner of five majors, have already competed against other on the course, in an 18-hole match won by Rahm. The latter’s achievements include the best first round in the finals of the NCCA (61); the record for number of eagles in a season (18); and, above all else, an incredible exhibition of golfing skills last September in Japan where he won the World Amateur individual title with a 23-under total, six lower than the record set by Nicklaus in 1960. The Spaniard carded 273 to beat a record held by Nicklaus for 54 years (269 at Merion). The winner of 18 majors, the Golden Bear congratulated him on the social networks. “It’s a pleasure to see a young player such as Jon come along and break my record. The future of golf is in good hands.”

In the Phoenix Open Jon played wearing the uniform of the American football team the Sun Devils of Arizona State with his nickname, “Rahmbo”, printed on the back and the number 42, as a tribute to a former student at the university, Pat Tillman, who died while fighting for the US army in Afghanistan – and who wore the same number.

World and Spanish amateur champion in 2014, Rahm played with great confidence the four days at Scottsdale, finishing with four rounds under par: 70, 68, 66 and 68, including a spectacular eagle on the par-four 17th during the first round.

His achievement was particularly impressive bearing in mind the other players competing in the event: four of the top four ranked golfers in the world and former world number one, Tiger Woods, who disappointed by not making the cut.

This was Jon’s second appearance on the US Tour. The first tournament he was invited to was the OHL Classic held last November in Mayakoba, Mexico. His debut round on the Tour was one-under and he followed that with a 73, missing the cut by five shots.

His performance in Phoenix, where he played thanks to an invitation by one of the tournament sponsors, demonstrated his exceptional talent. Now it is just a matter of waiting for his move into the pro ranks. In that respect, and fulfilling his parents’ wishes, he first wants to finish his university studies,” unless something really special happens”. If he had played as a professional in Phoenix, he would have collected $239,400 for his fifth place.

 

QUICK QUESTION & ANSWER

What major would you most like to win?

British Open or Masters

Three golfers you want to play a round with…

Tiger, Severiano and Phil

Three people (non-golfers) you want to pay a round with…

Rafael Nadal, Adam Sandler and Shakira

What is your favorite golf course you have ever played?

R.S.C.G Neguri

What is the one golf course you have not played but want to?

Pine Valley

What do you like best about your home town?

Views and food

A movie you have watched more than once and will watch again?

300 or The Greatest Game Ever Played

Favorite song from your favorite artist

‘The way you make me feel’- Michael Jackson

Are you a good dancer? When is the last time you danced?

Yes, I cannot remember when

What is one of your favorite quotes and why?

“As a competitor you have to have that belief in yourself”- Tiger Woods

What is your favorite form of exercise?

Fooball

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

Last time my soccer team won a title

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Kite surfing

If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Michael Jackson

What is your favorite commercial?

“No cup is safe”- Nike

Where is the most interesting vacation spot you have ever visited?

Corsica

What toppings do you get on your pizza?

Ham

Favorite pro athlete you have been around…

Jose Angel Iribar

Something I have not done, but I will…

Sky diving

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Competitive, positive and lazy

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Every Christmas

Besides golf, what is your favorite sport to watch?

Football

What is a place that you have always wanted

to visit?

Bora Bora