Across the golfing world there were many significant events this past weekend. With the FedEx Playoffs slowly looming into view and the Olympics due to take place later in the week, let’s recap everything that happened over the last few days.
After His $400 Million Move, Jon Rahm Wins First LIV Golf Event
Ever since Jon Rahm shocked the sporting world with his defection from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, many in golf have been wondering how long it would take for Rahm to win his first LIV Golf crown.
Having suffered several near misses, Rahm is yet to finish outside the top ten but heading into the LIV UK event, the Spainaird had yet to claim his maiden crown.
A two time major winner, it's been a poor year for Rahm in the majors, but there were signs that he was starting to come back into form following his top ten finish at the Open.
Keen to carry on from where he left off at Royal Troon, Rahm got his week off to a fantastic start when he finished his opening round with a two stroke lead.
With many expecting Rahm to kick into gear and extend his lead, Rahm got off to an uncharacteristically slow start in his second round, and seemingly impacted by the rowdy atmosphere around him he would end the second round trailing new leader, Andy Ogletree by three shots.
Knowing that he needed to save his best for last, the Rahm we have become accustomed to seeing on the PGA Tour returned at the JCB Golf and Country Club.
Needing to get off to a fast start, Rahm birdied two of his first six holes, before taking control with three consecutive birdies on the 10th, 12th and 13th holes.
Keen to keep tabs on Rahm was the Spainaird’s Ryder Cup partner Tyrell Hatton. Having won in Nashville, Hatton was seeking his second LIV title and drew level with his great friend as the pair embarked up the final hole.
With Rahm finding the fairway, Hatton put himself in trouble off the tee and instantly faced a battle to save his par.
Wanting to ensure he wouldn’t make a mistake, Rahm safely and carefully secured his final hole par as all of the pressure shifted on Hatton. Needing to make a tricky eight footer to send the tournament into a playoff, the Englishman could only look on in horror as his ball slid past the hole.
Upon winning his first LIV title Rahm was clearly overcome with emotion. Billed as the face of the breakaway tour, it's clear that Rahm has struggled to adapt to his new surroundings. However, with his first win now secured, you feel the sky is now the limit for Rahm and LIV. Slowly but surely LIV is starting to move the needle and they will hope to continue the momentum as the tour next heads back to the States for the LIV GreenBrier event.
Jhonattan Vegas Wins For the First Time in Seven Years as he Secures The 3M Open
It is an interesting time of year on the PGA Tour calendar. With the majors now firmly in the rear-view mirror and the very best in the world bidding for a shot at Olympic glory, now is the time for those looking to secure their spots in the lucrative FedEx Playoffs.
A spot in the FedEx playoffs is hugely important, not only can it bring riches but those who make the final 70 man field will have their PGA Tour playing rights protected for the following year.
With the cutoff to make the playoffs quickly approaching, one man looking in from the outside was Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas.
A familiar face to many who watch the PGA Tour, Vegas is a consistent performer and one of the best players to have ever hailed from South America.
After three solid rounds Vegas entered the final day of the 3M Open with a one stroke lead and with conditions tough due to the swirling conditions, he knew he would have to play his best to stave off a host of challengers.
Clearly feeling the nerves, Vegas got his final round off to the worst possible start as he bogeyed the very first hole to surrender his lead. WIth Max Greyserman making a significant move up the leaderboard, Vegas restored parity with a birdie on the fourth and then retook the lead with another on the sixth.
Unable to wriggle away from the rest of the bunch, dropped shots on the 9th and 13th holes and suddenly this year’s 3M Open title was anyone’s.
Needing to bounce back quickly, Vegas once again grabbed a share of the lead on the 15th and two solid pars on 16 and 17 would ensure he would head up the last knowing a birdie would be enough to secure victory.
With the final hole being a monster 597 yard par 5, Vegas made no mistake with his opening tee shot and went for glory with his second. Showing no fear, Vegas’s second shot clung onto the side of the green but left him with 98 feet still to deal with.
Knowing two putts would be enough for victory, Vegas hit a superb first putt which saw the ball nestle just three feet away from the hole. With the difficult work done, the Venezuelan would make no mistake as he slotted the ball home from three feet.
With Vegas having had a rough 2024 due to a nagging elbow injury, his 3M Open victory couldn’t have come at a better time. Now well inside the top 70 in the FedEx standings, Vegas’s victory has also ensured his place on the PGA Tour for the next two years.
He will hope to build on this new found momentum as the FedEx playoffs begin in three weeks.
The Week Ahead
An interesting week lies ahead for some of the best players in the world.
Golf at the Olympics has always been a controversial topic but for just the third time it will feature. Justin Rose was the first ever gold medal winner with Xander Schaufelle winning in Japan.
Having won two majors this year Schaufelle is in the form of his life and will hope to be the first ever golfer to win two Olympic gold medals.
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
