Jon Rahm, the record-breaking Spaniard

El Niño became great and, despite the fact that after him a few figures emerged in the homeland that occasionally peeked at the Olympus of the great headlines of the world press, the truth is that no compatriot has come to follow in recent years the dazzling wake of Sergio Garcia.

The panorama, now, could change if the brilliant career of a young Biscayan who is breaking records, including one that was held by Jack Nicklaus, considered the best golfer in history, is confirmed. The phenomenon is called Jon Rahm Rodriguez, he is 20 years old and one of his latest feats was to finish fifth, with 9 under par, just three strokes behind the winner (Brooks Koepka), in the Phoenix Open, of the American Tour. A great result, no doubt, especially considering that Rahmbo, as he is nicknamed in the United States, is still an amateur.

A native of the small coastal town of Barrika, Jon is breaking records at the university where he studies (Communication) and for which he competes, Arizona State, where great golfers like Phil Mickelson, whose brother Tim is the golf coach on this campus, came from. Phil himself has become involved in teaching as an assistant for the Arizona Sun Devils, which is how the golfers of that university are known. The young Biscayan and the Golden Lefty, winner of five majors, have already measured their strengths on a golf course, in an 18-hole match that ended with a victory for the Spaniard.

Rahm’s achievements include the best first round in the NCAA finals with 61 strokes; the absolute record of eagles in a season (18) and, above all, a true exhibition to win in September in Japan the World Amateur individual with 23 under par, six less than the record set by Nicklaus in 1960. The Biscay native managed 263 strokes over the three days, lowering a Nicklaus record set 54 years ago (269 strokes at Merion 1960). The Golden Bear, winner of 18 majors, congratulated him on social media. “It’s nice to see a young player like Jon come along and break my record. The future of golf is in good hands.”

At the Phoenix Open, Jon played wearing the Arizona State Sun Devils soccer team jersey with his nickname, ‘Rahmbo’, printed on the back and the number 42, the number worn by university alumnus Pat Tillman, who died in the ranks of the U.S. Army in Afghanistan and to whom the Spanish player paid tribute.

Rahm, World and Spanish Amateur champion in 2014, played without complexes and with confidence the four days in Scottsdale, with four rounds under par: 70, 68, 66 and 68, and with a spectacular eagle on the par 4 17th hole during the first day. Jon’s feat had great significance given the field of players in contention for the tournament: four of the top ten in the world ranking and former world number one Tiger Woods, who disappointed and was unable to make the cut.

This was Jon’s second appearance on the American Tour. The first tournament he was invited to was the OHL Classic held last November at Mayakoba, Mexico. His first round on the PGA Tour was a 1-under par and his second round was a 73, five strokes short of making the cut.

With his performance in Phoenix, where he played at the invitation of one of the tournament sponsors, Jon has proven his worth. Now all that remains is to wait for him to make the big leap to professionalism. To do so, and to fulfill his parents’ wish, he first wants to finish his university studies, “unless something really special happens”. If he had played as a professional at the Phoenix Open, he would have earned $239,400 for his fifth place finish.

SHORT INTERROGATION

Which of the big ones would you most like to win?

British Open or Master

Three golfers you want to play with…

Tiger, Severiano and Phil

Three people (non-golfers) with whom you want to play golf…

Rafael Nadal, Adam Sandler and Shakira

What is your favorite course that you have played?

R.S.C.G Neguri

What is the course you have not played but would like to?

Pine Valley

What do you like about your hometown?