Jon Rahm thrives under the pressure of big events, a characteristic that shines brightly in the Olympics. This year, Rahm arrives in Paris with a renewed sense of confidence, fresh off a victory at the LIV Golf event in England. The win marked his eighth consecutive year with at least one victory since turning pro, a testament to his consistent excellence.
“It was important for many reasons,” Rahm shared, emphasizing the significance of the victory. “But having done it, when you put yourself in position the next time… I’ve been there, done it recently. So you have that nice memory of it being done, so it’s always a bit of an extra bonus.”
While the victory undoubtedly boosted his morale, it didn’t generate the widespread attention one might expect. LIV Golf, despite its growing popularity, still lacks a network television deal, resulting in limited coverage compared to the PGA Tour. Rahm’s win was particularly noteworthy because it marked his first victory since the Masters in April 2023.
The Olympics offer Rahm a unique opportunity to carry this momentum onto another competitive stage, albeit with a smaller field of 60 players compared to LIV’s 54. He’ll face a more formidable cast of competitors, including some of the world’s best golfers.
Recent performances, including a tie for seventh at the British Open, provide a glimmer of hope after a turbulent year in major tournaments. He narrowly made the cut at the Masters, missed the cut at the PGA Championship, and was sidelined from the U.S. Open due to a foot infection. His victory at LIV Golf marks a return to form, a positive development heading into the Olympics.
The Paris Games hold special significance for Rahm. He was forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 due to a positive COVID-19 test. The upcoming event also provides a unique platform to compete against the best in the world before his season ends. The next major tournament won’t be until April at Augusta National, a 249-day wait for many players, including those who didn’t qualify for the Olympics, such as Bryson DeChambeau. The Olympics, with its exceptional field, offers a rare opportunity for top golfers to compete on a global stage.
“I don’t know if that makes it more meaningful,” Rahm said, reflecting on the significance of the event. “Since I haven’t played the Olympics before, it means a lot to be there. It’s something special. You could say it’s a little bit more because we only get so many chances to play against each other.”
“We all know it’s a pretty big stage,” he added, recognizing the prestige and exposure of the Games. “As a competitor, you want to win the biggest tournaments. It’s nice that this year we get an extra week to enjoy that.”
Rahm joins a group of seven LIV Golf players participating in the Olympics, although he is the sole golfer guaranteed to compete in the majors next year. He holds fond memories of Le Golf National, the venue for his Ryder Cup debut in 2018. The course, notably, is where he defeated Tiger Woods in singles.
“You can hear the crowd singing early in the morning, in the dark, and just the atmosphere. All the 10,000 to 20,000 people around the hole, that was quite special,” Rahm recalled, describing the electric atmosphere of his Ryder Cup experience.
While the scene in Paris may differ, with only one grandstand on the course, it promises to be a captivating experience. The International Golf Federation has confirmed a sellout with an anticipated crowd of 20,000 spectators.
With a strong field, a global audience, and the allure of the Olympic stage, the Paris Games present a unique and exciting opportunity for Rahm. The event will be his final competition of the year, concluding a season that has been marked by both adversity and triumph.
