Jon Rahm celebrates after winning the U.S Open at Torrey pines
San Diego, California – Just a few weeks ago, Jon Rahm was dominating at Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial event after 54 holes when he was notified by the tour that he tested positive for Covid-19 and would be required to withdraw, sending him into quarantine and putting his entry into the U.S. Open in jeopardy. It was a bitter disappointment, but Rahm who has worked hard on his attitude in recent years handled it with class.
“I’m a big believer in karma,” Rahm said after winning his first major. “After what happened a couple of weeks ago, I stayed really positive knowing big things were coming. I didn’t know what it was going to be. … I got out of COVID protocol early. I just felt like the stars were aligning. I can’t even believe I made the last two putts,” he said.
Rahm rallied with birdies on the final two holes to card a final round 67 to take the lead in the clubhouse. It had been almost forty years since a golfer birdied the last two holes to win a U.S. Open. Rahm’s 6 under par – 278 total was good for a one-shot victory over South African Louis Oosthuizen.
Oosthuizen made five consecutive pars after a bogey on the par-3 eleventh, but a pulled tee-shot on the par 4 seventeenth pretty much ended any chance – he birdied the last to come up one shot short. “I’ll keep knocking on that major door,” Oosthuizen said. Jon Rahm, only 26 years old, became the first Spaniard to win the U.S. Open in its 121 year history. He won his first PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines in 2017 at Farmers Insurance Open title. “I’m very biased,” Rahm said. “I love this golf course, but I think it’s going to become one of those iconic venues as well.”
Oosthuizen also finished second at last month’s PGA Championship at Kiawah.
“I’m second again,” Oosthuizen said. “Look, it’s frustrating. It’s disappointing. I’m playing good golf, but it’s not winning a major.”
