Jon Rahm Surges at PGA Championship
Jon Rahm was going for his third major win at the 107th PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. He played great, proving he’s ready to be a top golfer again. After some ups and downs since joining LIV Golf in late 2023, Rahm shot an impressive 4-under 67 in the third round on Saturday. This strong round put him tied for fifth place, just five shots behind the leader, Scottie Scheffler.
As he goes after the Wanamaker Trophy, Rahm’s chances look good, with some of the best California sportsbooks naming him a top contender. His great play not only silenced critics but also sparked discussions about his chance to complete a career Grand Slam, requiring the PGA Championship and The Open to finish the set.
Rahm had a strong third round, showing off his talent and persistence. He scored seven birdies, which means he performed extremely well on those holes. One exciting moment was when he made birdies on three holes in a row, starting at the 14th, which fired up the crowd and improved his standing in the competition. However, bogeys on the 6th, 11th, and 17th holes slowed him down.
Quail Hollow is a tough course that doesn’t forgive mistakes easily. Something unexpected happened on the par-4 11th hole when Rahm’s shot veered left and accidentally hit a fan in the head. Luckily, the supporter was not injured and got an apology and an autographed glove from Rahm, who joked that the fan could have headed the ball back if he had soccer skills. This interaction highlighted Rahm’s ability to connect with fans even under pressure, a trait that has made him quite favored in the golfing world.
Speaking to the media, Rahm was honest about his drive, saying how hard it was to express the hunger he felt for a major. This marks his first time in contention on the final day of a major since joining LIV Golf, a move that drew scrutiny and coincided with lackluster major performances in 2024. He brushed off the idea that LIV Golf’s format affected his preparation, saying his past struggles were really about his swing mechanics, adding that the tough course at Quail Hollow exposed those weaknesses. But now, he’s back to the level that helped him win the U.S. Open in 2021 and the Masters in 2023, with sharper iron shots and a stronger mental game.
Before his switch to LIV Golf, Rahm had already established himself as one of the premier talents in the sport. His victory at the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines was a defining moment, where he became the first Spaniard to win the event. Two years later, he claimed the 2023 Masters at Augusta National, cementing his place among golf’s elite. Known for his powerful swing and consistency under pressure, Rahm has consistently ranked among the world’s top players and amassed 11 PGA Tour wins and 10 DP World Tour titles.
At just 31, Rahm's résumé speaks volumes. He became world number one in 2020 and held the position multiple times. He’s won prestigious events like the BMW Championship and the Memorial Tournament, and has also been a standout performer in the Ryder Cup, helping Team Europe to multiple victories. His career has been marked by both individual brilliance and strong team play, making him one of the most respected figures in golf today.
The final day at Quail Hollow delivered a dramatic finish, with Scottie Scheffler ultimately pulling ahead after a blistering 5-under stretch over his last five holes. Jon Rahm remained in contention throughout, holding his own against top-tier competitors like Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele. The infamous “Green Mile” on the back nine tested every player’s nerve, and while Rahm showcased flashes of brilliance, the pressure-packed layout proved unforgiving at times. Though he didn’t capture the Wanamaker Trophy, Rahm’s performance reaffirmed his elite status and reignited conversations about his pursuit of a career Grand Slam. the challenging “Green Mile” stretch, will test Rahm’s accuracy and calm under pressure.
Given his history of rising to the occasion, like his amazing comeback win at the Masters, he has a great chance to close the gap if he stays aggressive but smart. A win for Rahm wouldn’t just be a personal victory; it would also boost LIV Golf’s reputation, proving it can produce major champions despite the ongoing debates about its place in the sport.
Rahm’s performance at this PGA Championship underlines his drive for even greater success. A win here would be his first PGA Championship and bring him one step closer to joining the elite group of golfers that includes Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, and Gary Player, all of whom have achieved the career Grand Slam. His strong showing so far has changed the narrative, proving that his move to LIV Golf hasn’t diminished his competitive spirit. As Sunday approaches, Rahm’s combination of skill, ambition, and persistence will be key as he continues chasing golf history.
