As the The Masters Tournament 2024 is coming closer, the discussions about possible title contenders are getting louder. Of course a relevant influencing factor to suggest who’s could be coming out on top is the current form. When looking at the PGA Tour, names like Scottie Scheffler, Windham Clark, or Rory McIlroy come to mind. However, at the Masters, one should not forget about players who currently play on the LIV Tour. Among them – the defending champion Jon Rahm.
The Masters Tournament 2024: 3 reasons why Jon Rahm will defend his title
With his latest move to the LIV Golf League Jon Rahm may have been off the radar for some golf fans. The Masters Tournament 2024 will be his first major after leaving the PGA Tour. Here are three reasons why Jon Rahm is keen to defend his title at this weeks major tournament.
1. Stats don’t lie
To silence critics right away, let’s start with some of his statistics, which are famously indisputable. Within his last 20 major appearances, he finished within the top 10 ten times, meaning half of his majors played since 2019. Overall, he has won two of these majors and narrowly missed victory in several others. The statistics also suggest a rising form curve throughout his career in these events since first turning pro in 2016.
2. Jon Rahm is in good form
Which leads us to the next argument as to why Jon Rahm will win the Masters again: His current form speaks for itself. Since joining LIV Golf, the Spaniard is yet to finish outside of the top 10. Starting off early in February, the reigning Masters champion finished tied for 3rd at the Mayakoba event. He followed up finishing 8th and 5th, then tied for 8th place in Hong Kong, with a tied 4th place at last weeks event in Miami. It can’t be denied that these are impressive and very consistent results, although there is one flaw. He did not yet win a tournament this year.
3. He is the reigning champion
Maybe reminiscing on his last victory may bring back his winner qualities. It surely is one he will fondly remember and dates back exactly one year today. With a very convincing 4-shot-lead, he brought his last Masters to the finish line, securing his second major victory of his career after winning the US Open in 2021. Even though it is difficult to predict the outcome with the tough conditions at the Augusta National Golf Club, it surely helps when players can start the tournament with some good confidence.