Jon Rahm broke the curse in Mexico, after 11 months without a victory – despite the opportunities – the Spanish player managed to conquer the first edition of the Mexico Open at Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta with one stroke difference.
The number two in the world, who this week spoke of regaining the top of golf, assured that this victory – even though his golf was not perfect – was essential to start the path of reconquering the world number one.
“This victory is a great first step, a great leap forward in that sense. Before I had positioned myself well, but without victories, but this helps me get back on that path of playing well and having the opportunity to win tournaments on Sundays. On a day like today, this fight gives me a lot of confidence and a lot of desire to continue… To reach that number one (again) I’m going to have to win and keep winning big tournaments like this one. So I’m glad to see this victory achieved so quickly”, he said in an interview after the last round on the grass of Vidanta where he signed a final card of 267 shots, 17 under par from the field.
The last time Jon took a win was at the US Open and now with the win at the Mexican Open he is one of the few fighters to have a collection of national championships, having also lifted trophies in Ireland and Spain.
“I think that’s more of a coincidence, the truth is that I don’t think about the national championships. The truth is that the title of the tournament does not say much, it is more about the place and what the tournament represents”, she added.
The European player took this victory thanks to a conservative round, because today the weather conditions did not allow to be very aggressive due to the wind. “Rahmbo” holed birdies at flags 6, 7 and 14 for a bogey at 10 for a round of 69, two under par.
Still, he kept his distance despite pressure from the likes of Americans Tony Finau, Kurt Kitayama and Brandon Wu, who were just one shot away.
A bittersweet taste.
For the tricolor representatives, the first edition of the Mexico Open was not what they had planned, but there is a positive balance.
Abraham Ancer and Alvaro Ortiz were tied for 42nd in the table and as the best Mexicans with a score of six shots under par, 11 behind champion Rahm.
“It was not how I had imagined it, I wanted a better position, but it was a difficult week. The good thing is that you no longer feel discomfort in your back after that small injury. Now I feel 100 percent and ready to move on with the season,” Ancer, who had a last-round 70, said in an interview.
Alvaro, player of the Korn Ferry Tour and who received an exemption, despite the collapse he had after a triple bogey at the end of the penultimate day, assured that this tournament leaves him with a great teaching and experience for the future.
“Like any other tournament, it adds to the experience. And being able to do it for all four days fills me with confidence for the season. The more experiences you have,” he stated.
For his part, Carlos Ortiz, the second best Mexican ranked in the world in the World Golf Ranking, closed in 51st place with a record of 279 shots, five under field par.
gets into the conversation
For Jon Rahm, being a good representative of Spanish sport is something very important and he hopes that when his career comes to an end he can be classified among the best athletes.
“I have given myself the opportunity with what I have done in my career to be one of the great athletes that Spain has given. The truth is that reaching the level of Rafa Nadal, Paul Gasol, many of the footballers and Carlos Sainz father or son is going to be very complicated. Danny Pedroza too. There are so many athletes who have achieved great things. Olympic medals and so on. So many facts that it is difficult to see myself so high on the list but I will continue to give myself the opportunity and if I continue to play at the same level, to be among the top 10″, he said.
