Jon Rahm arrived at Royal Troon feeling like one of the most celebrated players, albeit not because of his recent golfing achievements.
Spain’s sporting victories—Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon win and Spain’s triumph over England in the Euros final—have made Rahm a popular figure among Scottish fans who revel in seeing England lose.
Rahm has not won since his Masters victory 15 months ago. He struggled in recent majors, barely making the cut at the Masters, missing the cut at the PGA Championship, and skipping the U.S. Open due to a foot infection. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic, aiming to improve his game with recent equipment adjustments.
Rahm’s recent performances in LIV Golf have shown signs of improvement, with consistent top 10 finishes. However, he acknowledges the challenges of the new competitive landscape created by the split between traditional tours and LIV Golf.
As he prepares for The Open Championship at Royal Troon, Rahm is motivated to end his drought and add to Spain’s sporting successes. The course is known for its challenging conditions, particularly with unpredictable weather and treacherous bunkers.
Adding to Rahm’s personal challenges, his wife is experiencing a difficult pregnancy, putting his future participation in some tournaments, like the Spanish Open, in doubt. Rahm’s focus remains on performing well at Royal Troon while navigating his personal and professional hurdles.
The Open Championship promises fierce competition, with top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele in contention. Rahm’s journey at Royal Troon will be closely watched as he seeks to reclaim his winning form and extend Spain’s impressive sporting streak.