the figure of Jon Rahm, 27, transcends beyond his presence. He is talked about on golf courses all over the planet, and when it comes to professional tournaments, his teammates never cease to be amazed at what he has achieved in his still short career. Everyone comments on his exploits and in an important tournament like the one that is now being played in Orlando, his figure is magnified. Faced with questions from ABC, five major winners and as many other members of the Ryder Cup commented on the Basque’s options to remain number one for many more weeks. Since Colin Morikawa doesn’t play at Bay Hill, number 41 is guaranteed.
of your possibilities is your friend and mentor Phil Mickelson (6 majors), who bluntly stated that “he is the best in the world and no one is going to take him down from the pedestal. I don’t see anyone capable of doing it. We have number one for a while. Dustin Johnson (2), on his side, has him lined up because his goal is to regain the position that Rahm now holds. For this he must redo his consistency of yesteryear, something in which the Biscayan stands out. «He is a great player and he will not be able to neglect himself any week. He has to continue playing very well to continue being up there, because those of us who come from behind are not going to make it easy for him ». Notice to boaters.
Far from his best moment, Bubba Watson (2) does not see it as an achievable challenge, because «he is an extraordinary player who can win anywhere and that is why he is where he is». «He is very talented and we can have number one for a while; obviously he is very good, but there are big names that lie in wait for him and he must not be careless if he does not want to be surpassed », he adds.
For its part, Graeme McDowell (1) is also an admirer of Basque. “Jon is a student of the game and has no weak points. I’m impressed by his strength, his long game, his short game and his kicking. And what about his mind? When he debuted at the Paris Ryder he wasn’t doing very well and suddenly, when it was his turn to play Tiger, he knew how to click and come on top. He is young, healthy, he has all the Spanish intensity and passion and he can be there for a long time».
Sergio Garcia (1), who knows him well after forming a great duo with him in the last Ryder Cup, is convinced of his qualities but wants to warn people not to set expectations that he may not be able to meet. «There is no doubt that he is where he is on his own merits, but he cannot be compared to Tiger. What the Californian did was incredible and no one can match him; In addition, the ranking is very complicated and the conditions have to be met so that he can hold out for a long time. He’s got a lot behind him who can beat him any week if they have a hot run. That is why what he has to do now is to enjoy it all as Spaniards while he is up there ».
Ryder Cup Companions
Few tournaments unite as much as the confrontation between the United States and Europe. That is why those on this side of the Atlantic are more than pleased that he is on their side. Rafael CabreraIn addition, he is pleased to have him as a compatriot. “Not all countries can boast of having a universal number one. Jon is very complete, with a perfect way of thinking to be the athlete that he is. Although he doesn’t have to be on top every week like Tiger did, he will always be number one to me.”
In this line, the English do not haggle praise either. For Tommy Fleetwood “He is a great friend and he is very talented. He brings a lot of things to golf because he is a great golfer, but I don’t know if he will be able to hold out for a long time. In recent years there have been many changes in the lead and it is not easy to dominate many weeks in a row. But he will not be hungry for it. We’ll see what happens”. Tyrrell Hatton sums it up by pointing out that “he is a fantastic athlete, with no weak points and that he can dominate world golf for a long time.”
The most veterans, for their part, see it with more perspective. TO Paul Casey His eyes always moisten when he remembers Ballesteros, with whom he met at the beginning of his career, and now he compares him with Rahm, the two number ones that Spain has had. “Hispanics stand out for their passion, for taking risks at the right moments and playing with their hearts and minds. I see many of those Seve things in Jon, although I still prefer Pedreña’s swing and way of dressing. Obviously, Rahm won’t be able to catch up to Woods’ records, but I don’t see why he can’t catch up to Faldo or Norman, who were at the top for a long time. He is very strong, works like the best and is an incredible competitor. If he doesn’t get burned or injured, we have a leader for a while ».
Lee WestwoodRyder’s teammate and former number one, knows firsthand what it takes to retain the lead. «The fundamental thing is not to have any weakness and always compete at a good level so that your rivals do not pass you. The important thing is to be consistent, something Jon is an expert at. It is as hard to get to the top as it is to stay. He is a worthy number one ». As you can see, the one from Barrica is not lacking in praise.
