Jon Rahm wins The Genesis Invitational and climbs to the top of the world

“Put it where you want Jon.” That must have been what Max Homa and Keith Mitchell, fellow travelers, thought rahm over the past two days, watching the Spaniard grind out each round with unusual solvency. Shots more than 300 yards off the tee to put the ball, almost always, in the right place on the fairway; measured approaches to the green and a shot that, when effective, allowed him to collect birdies with great ease. This is how Jon Rahm won Genesis Invitational Open. By chopping 65 strokes on Thursday, 68 on Friday, 65 on Saturday and 69 yesterday. -17 in total. His third PGA Tour title so far this year (after The American Express and Sentry Tournament of Champions) and 10th of his career (including the major, the 2021 US Open). Fastest to win three titles in one year in nearly half a century (last, Johnny Miller, 1975).

The Spanish golfer is a powerful bettor. Therefore, along with this success, it also stands as the new world number 1. In the last twelve months, he has added six wins and nine top-five finishes. Only one other man in the world can boast a similar comeback: Scottie Scheffler (4 wins and 10 top 5 finishes). The American, who was also at the Riviera Country Club, was not up to par a week ago. Perhaps he overpaid for the Phoenix celebration and saw himself far behind him from day one. The former number 1 finished twelfth, with -8. Rory McIllroy was not at his level either: 29th, with -4.

The erratic Tiger Woods finished even further behind. Due to his long inactivity after a serious car accident in 2021, which almost cost him his life (and which, in addition to numerous screws in his foot, resulted in a rod being inserted into his tibia), it was unlikely that he would be seen. they are already competing to win. And less so in a field that has never been good at it. She offered lights and shadows. A good first round (69), a flat tire in the second (74), a brilliant third (67) and a poor climax (73). He finished 45th, at -1, ahead of, yes, Jordan Spieth. Justin Rose and Adam Scott, among others.

Rahm started the final day at -15 after the show on Saturday (six birds and twelve pairs); and he came out on top, despite having a three-shot lead over Hom. no compromise His incredible drive has already taken him to the first hole to save almost 500 yards (450 meters) in just two shots. Birdie to start. A start that, however, did not intimidate Homa. The American immediately responded with birdies and took advantage of the Spaniard’s bogey as he passed the third flag to pull out just one shot (-15 to -14 from the American). Rahm began to struggle with the putt there, which would play him again in the 4th, when he forgave a birdie that seemed sung after a great initial putt.

A huge approach of 187 meters, from the outside of the fairway of 8, to leave the ball by the flag, was a turning point. Homa gave up a bogey right next to him and the distance returned to three shots (-17 to -14).

The American, who is considered the king of California because of his love for this country, and especially for this area, did not give up. His birdies on 9 and 10, accompanied by bogeys from Rahm, tied the match again at -16, with eight holes to play.

The Spaniard missed again with a putt on the 12th green, and when he had a chance to make a birdie, he gave up a bogey that ended Homa’s comeback (-16 to -15). The American bogeyed the 13th hole to help Patrick Cantlay join the fun, standing at -14, one shot adrift with five rounds to go. The end of Rahm? Not at all. erring.

The decisive phase has arrived. That moment that Jon loves so much. And gave a recital. He retook the lead on the 14th with a 15-foot putt and got the task back on track at the 16th with a putt that was just a foot short of the hole-in-one. On l7, Homa got tangled in the bunkers and Rahm got to 18 with a two-shot lead, Jon finished the job with a par from the green. Enough to get back to the top.