Tag: Jon Rahm

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Ryder Cup Triumphs to Ace Hat-Trick: The Best Golf Shots of 2023

The year 2023 thrilled with grandiose strokes on both the big stage and the smaller one. (Photos: Getty)
The year 2023 thrilled with grandiose strokes on both the big stage and the smaller one. (Photos: Getty)

2023 was marked by major tournaments and outstanding shots, often coinciding. The Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup provided particularly memorable moments alongside prestigious individual events. However, even on a smaller stage, the odd shot or two caught the golf world’s attention. So, let’s enjoy the most brilliant shots of the year together.

Ryder Cup 2023: Hovland’s Pro Practice Hole-in-One Sets the Course

Leading up to the Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland delivered an exceptional shot from over 270 meters during a practice round. The Norwegian set the stage for victory at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club with a Hole-in-One on the Par-4 of the fifth hole. Initially, the celebration was delayed, but joy knew no bounds when the ball landed on the green, took two small bounces, and rolled into the hole. While Hovland didn’t replicate the albatross during the tournament, his outstanding shot set the tone for an extraordinary performance.

On the tournament’s first day, Hovland showcased his prowess at shorter distances, delivering a remarkable chip-in despite chipping not being his forte. Hovland contributed significantly to Team Europe’s strong start in the Ryder Cup with that fantastic shot. The hosts secured a 4-0 lead on the opening day, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Inspired by Hovland’s chip-in, Jon Rahm, also known as ‘Rahmbo,’ demonstrated his nerves of steel during the Fourballs on the first day. The Spaniard excelled in crucial moments throughout the Ryder Cup and gave free rein to his emotions after winning the hole against Scheffler and Koepka. Rahm and Hojgaard ultimately tied the match against the Americans and played a significant role in Team Europe’s dream start.

Solheim Cup 2023: Ciganda’s Brilliance Leads Team Europe to Victory at Home

A week before the Ryder Cup, European women golfers showcased how winning on home soil is done. Carlota Ciganda stood out during the Solheim Cup 2023 in an exceptional home game in Andalusia, Spain. The singles at the Solheim Cup 2023 could hardly have been more thrilling, as both teams entered the final day with a tie. Almost all matches were close, with the teams alternating securing hole wins. The initial matches were split, with the USA securing four points and Europe another four.

The score was 13-13, with two matches still to play. Ciganda played a decisive role in one of these matches, ensuring the crucial point against Nelly Korda. Ciganda was already leading with ‘3 up’ after eight holes, but the tide turned on the back nine. The American won three holes and went ‘All Square’ to the 16th. Ciganda excited the fans, repeatedly regaining the lead with a birdie. On the 17th, she attacked the flag of the Par-3 with an outstanding drive. Korda missed the green on the left, and the Spaniard had no trouble securing the 14th point for her team with a short putt. Sky reporter Jamie Weir called it the “best golf shot of the year so far.” An unbelievable shot at a moment when the pressure could hardly be higher.

The Solheim Cup 2023 featured another historic shot by Emily Kristine Pedersen, who not only won an essential hole for Team Europe through a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole but also created an unforgettable memory with only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup.

Incredible hole-in-one Hat-Trick at the Players Championship

The Players Championship 2023 was a record-breaking tournament. Not only did it feature the highest prize money in the history of the PGA Tour, with $25 million, but it also witnessed a parade of holes-in-one at the 17th hole. There had been ten holes-in-one in the tournament’s history on the 17th hole, and the 11th came swiftly. Hayden Buckley, who started in the second flight at the 10th hole, set the bar high and sank the ball with a single stroke. The ball landed a distance to the flag’s right and then rolled towards the hole, perfectly lining up for the jackpot.
The second hole-in-one set a record as well. On Moving Day, Aaron Rai thrilled the spectators with an ace and became part of a historic moment: The first time in 49 years of the Players Championship that two holes-in-one occurred in the same year on the 17th hole.
As if that weren’t enough, the final day was yet to come, and Alex Smalley delighted the audience with the third ace of the week.

Near Miss Excellence: Nicolai von Dellingshausen’s Heart-Stopping Shot at the British Masters

During the British Masters, Nicolai von Dellingshausen narrowly missed a hole-in-one at the British Masters, with his tee shot on the 14th hole at The Belfry coming within two centimetres of the cup.

Sepp Straka’s Dream Shot at the Masters

The US Masters 2023 had barely begun, and Sepp Straka already had a reason to celebrate. During the preparatory round leading up to the tournament, the Austrian made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole. His caddy and the entire flight rejoiced along with the Vienna-born player for the magnificent shot.

Sahith Theegala then caused a sensation with a stroke of genius during the tournament. The American delivered an impressive overall performance on the final day of the US Masters 2023. The 67-round of the Masters rookie was crowned by an incredible chip-in on the 16th hole. The dream shot reminded some spectators of a legendary shot from the US Masters 2005. Back then, golf legend Tiger Woods also holed the ball from a similar position, sending the audience into a frenzy.

Koepka Makes it Rain at LIV Golf’s ‘Watering Hole’

The party hole at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, lived up to its name, “The Watering Hole,” as the party hole at Hole 12 was christened at the LIV Golf League in Australia. On the final day, Chase Koepka gave the crowd a reason to celebrate, delivering an impressive hole-in-one.

Michael Block’s PGA Championship Fairy Tale

Michael Block delighted fans as the underdog at this year’s PGA Championship. As the only PGA Professional to make it to the weekend of the 2023 PGA Championship, he entered the final round from the top 10 after three rounds in the 70s, alongside none other than Rory McIlroy. Fans celebrated him as a star, and he crowned his week with a hole-in-one on the 15th hole. The fan favourite could hardly believe that the ball landed in the hole. ‘It didn’t go in, did it?’

Nick Hardy’s Brilliant Birdie With a Shattered Club

Nick Hardy created a highlight on the PGA Tour with a sensational shot. His drive landed unfavourably right in front of a tree. He took the entire risk and hit the ball over the water onto the green. The club struck the tree so forcefully during the swing that it was no longer usable afterwards. However, the ball landed three and a half meters from the flag, allowing him to achieve one of the most spectacular birdies of the year. Even Billy Horschel congratulated him.

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World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler maintains lead

Scottie Scheffler holds the top spot in the world golf ranking for another week. (Source: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler holds the top spot in the world golf ranking for another week. (Source: Getty)

In the latest World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler retains the number one spot, underscoring his continued dominance in the sport. His compatriot, Patrick Cantlay, likewise holds his ground at fifth position. These top-performing American players reflect a consistent stronghold within the upper echelon of the rankings.

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Six american golfers in the top 10 of the world golf ranking

Further down the list, other American golfers, Xander Schauffele (6th), Max Homa (7th), and Brian Harman (9th), maintain their previous week’s rankings. Wyndham Clark rounds out the top five Americans by claiming the 10th spot this week. Apart from performances by US players, the top three of the World Golf Ranking sees no movement, with Rory McIlroy (NIR) and Jon Rahm (ESP) remaining in the second and third spots respectively. Turning to players ranked fourth through tenth, Viktor Hovland (NOR) keeps his 4th rank, while English golfer, Matt Fitzpatrick, remains at 8th. This variation attests to the diverse talent present in today’s golf spectrum. Collin Morikawa (USA) marks a notable advancement as he climbs to the 13th position, a move that is an affirmation of his upward trajectory in the golfing landscape. In summary, the World Golf Ranking offers a reflective lens on the current standings and shifts within the professional golfing community, highlighting both stability and notable changes among the top contenders.

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World Golf Ranking: Matthew Fitzpatrick Best of Britain

Matthew Fitzpatrick is the best rated english player in the world golf ranking. (Source: Getty)
Matthew Fitzpatrick is the best rated english player in the world golf ranking. (Source: Getty)

In the latest World Golf Ranking, Matt Fitzpatrick of England holds the highest spot among British, Welsh, and Scottish golfers, remaining steady at 8th position. Conversely, Tyrrell Hatton, also from England, experienced a drop from 11th to 12th place.

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Few changes in the world golf rankings

In the recent World Golf Ranking, the next three British, Welsh, and Scottish players have seen varied fortunes. Tommy Fleetwood fell one spot to 14th, while fellow Englishman Justin Rose made a leap from 39th to 37th. Robert MacIntyre of Scotland maintained his 57th rank, indicating stability in his performance amidst fluctuating standings. Delving into the top positions of the World Golf Ranking, we witness Scottie Scheffler from the United States securing the number 1 ranking for another week. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland follows at second, closing ranks with consistent excellence, and Jon Rahm of Spain remains a fixture at third, despite his move to LIV Golf. The remainder of the World Golf Ranking’s top 10 sees considerable movement. With Collin Morikawa of the USA advancing to 13th and Sepp Straka of Austria improving from 20th to 18th. Conversely, Cameron Young from the USA experienced a notable slip, descending from 18th to 21st, a change which could potentially motivate a resurgence in upcoming tournaments.

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Ryder Cup 2023: How Seve Inspired Jon Rahm’s Two Eagles

Jon Rahm at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Foto: Getty)
Jon Rahm at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Foto: Getty)

Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard battled Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Kopeka in the fourballs at the 2023 Ryder Cup. Despite eight birdies and two eagles, the Europeans only got half a point out of the incredible match, that had more than one highlight.

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Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Q. Many, many congratulations on an incredible match. You chipped in at 16 to make eagle at the last. How is it possible for you guys to produce these kind of things under this sort of pressure?

JON RAHM: I don’t know. I don’t know. You know, it’s the intention of the moment, right, and then the fact that something happens is truly unique. I’ve got to give Nicolai props because over here on 18, he gave me the freedom to basically go at it, and he told me to hit a putt, try to make it. And he said, “What would Seve do,” right, “do it for Seve.” I don’t know if he would have quite made it like that, but I’m sure glad that it went in.

Q. Your first experience at Ryder Cup, just describe that experience from your point of view, obviously playing with the world No. 3 in a match that was incredibly thrilling?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: Yeah, it was a good match out there today. We hung in there on the front nine, played some good golf, Rahmbo took over the last few holes. Yeah, it’s pretty cool to share the stage with Rahmbo. He’s a great player, great person, and yeah, it’s a special week so far.

Q. How I am interprets pressed with your rookie Ryder Cup here, different type of pressure and you’ve handled it so beautifully?

JON RAHM: We wouldn’t have had a chance if it wasn’t for him on the front nine. I got that up-and-down on 5, which he might have made it himself and kind of road his back the rest of the front nine, his four birdies, and the chances I had, I didn’t really take advantage of.

I mean, he says I took over, but he did his part, right. He made the crucial shots when he needed to and to give us a chance. It’s a partnership and he did 50 per cent and I tried to do my part on the last 50 per cent.

Q. What’s it like to be part of that team room? The atmosphere is incredible, I’m sure?

NICOLAI HØJGAARD: Yeah, it is. I love team golf. I’ve played it my whole life, and to be part of this, the best golf event, being part of Team Europe, being part of these great players and great guys, it’s very special. I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.

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2023 Ryder Cup: Jon Rahm about Tyrrell Hatton: “It’s like being in the same brain”

Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton put the first point for Europe on the board at the 2023 Ryder Cup. The went head to head with Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns in the first match of the day. Rahm and Hatton didn’t give them much of a chance, finishing the match 4&3 on 15. It was the first of four points Europe made in the morning foursomes.

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Quotes from Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Q. How important to get some momentum and blue on the board, how satisfying to get that done?

JON RAHM: Extremely. Extremely. I’ve had a good feeling about Tyrrell all along. Last time we played together it really felt good, and it was good to come out here and perform the way we did. It’s an incredible foursomes match and we played as confident as two people can play, and it was a beautiful one.

Q. Just describe that match from your point of view, Tyrrell, you played some beautiful golf and these massive crowds cheering you on?

TYRRELL HATTON: The atmosphere this morning was incredible. Tee-to-green, I was generally fairly solid. Naturally little bit disappointed with some of the putts I missed. Ultimately we won our point and that was the goal.

Q. You told me in the past when you’re in contention to win a big championship, you get butterflies, but you love them. What’s the feeling you have playing in front of this audience?

JON RAHM: I told Tyrrell, usually the feelings you have down the stretch in a tournament I had hitting my first warm-up put at 6.20 in the morning in the dark, and it increasingly got higher until we hit that tee shot on the first hole. It’s a different feeling, but if you embrace and enjoy it, you can play some pretty good rounds of golf like we did today.

Q. What makes Jon a good partner aside from the shots he hits?

TYRRELL HATTON: He’s obviously very positive between shots, and you know, great company, and he’s always right by your side. So yeah, he’s a great teammate.

Q. What an emphatic performance you put together. You are undefeated in foursomes play in the Ryder Cup. What do you love so much about this format?

JON RAHM: I don’t know. It’s quite stressful but the strongest part of my game is ball-striking, right, and what Tyrrell and I did really well today is hit the shots that we needed. Any time we needed the right shot to change the momentum, we did. You know, that’s the key in match play, right, just keep hitting the right shots at the right time.

Q. We know you two are passionate players but what works so well about this foursomes pairing?

TYRRELL HATTON: I mean, we didn’t really give much away. We were very hard to play against this morning. I think we were four- or five-under, so in foursomes, that’s a good effort. Yeah, it was an enjoyable morning.

Q. The shot on the 7th tee, that came very close. How were your emotions watching a near hole-in-one on Friday at the Ryder Cup?

JON RAHM: I think it might have been too much if it goes in but it got the job ton. I was telling Tyrrell, one of those shots was a perfect number, both seven and eight, and I’m just glad I’m able to hit a tee shot and put it in the same spot. Obviously be amazing to make it.

Some people might wonder why we got paired together recently; we think about the game very similarly and we react to the game very similarly and we understand each other. When one of us misses a shot, we know what’s going on in the other player’s mind. We might vocalise it differently, but at the end of the day it’s the same process. It’s like being in the same brain.

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Ryder Cup 2023 – Jon Rahm: “I would pay to play”

Jon Rahm said he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm said he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

The Ryder Cup 2023 is going to be the third appearance at the prestigious tournament for Jon Rahm. The experienced spaniard, a pivotal figure for Team Europe, radiates an infectious enthusiasm about the Ryder Cup. The camaraderie, the competition, and the collective commitment to victory are elements that Rahm emphasized during a press conference on Tuesday.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Jon Rahm love the team feeling at the Ryder Cup 2023

Jon Rahm of Team Europe brought forth his views and experiences associated with the Ryder Cup. “It’s incredible,” he shares, speaking about his anticipation and enjoyment at the prestigious event, highlighting the special bonds created amongst the elite golfers. Rahm reveals, “The greatest thing of the Ryder Cup… is going in that team room and seeing all these great golfers come together.” He paints a vivid picture of the unity and enduring relationships that blossom through shared victories and defeats within the team room, enriching the sport’s landscape.

“I don’t have to get paid to come here and perform in front of people.”

While discussing the commercial aspect of the sport, Rahm makes it clear that his passion for golf transcends material gain. Unaware of the financial perks, he admits, “I didn’t even know we got any money… Me, yeah, I don’t have to get paid to come here and perform in front of people.” It’s the love for the game and the joy derived from it that drives him. He even humorously entertains the idea of paying an entry fee to be part of the team: “Probably, yes,” Rahm said, when asked about, if he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup 2023. “This week is a lot of fun, so yeah, I think as long as it’s manageable for everybody on the team, because we have one that was in college like two days ago”, he joked about Ludvig Aberg, who notably, was playing college golf as late as May.  

With new talent like Aberg integrating into the team, Rahm shares insights on the challenges and adaptations involved in transitioning from college to professional golf. He commends Aberg’s potential and advises rookies to stay curious, seek advice, and learn from experienced players. Rahm confesses his introverted nature made his first Ryder Cup daunting, but the subsequent experience was easier and more enriching.

No extra pressure despite ranking

Rahm’s humility and team-centric approach shine through as he dismisses the pressures of being one of the top-ranked players in Team Europe. “It shouldn’t really impact how we prepare for this week,” he stresses, emphasizing that personal achievements should not overshadow the collective goal. It’s the game’s match play nature that resonates with Rahm, where individual focus aligns with the team’s success.

Reflecting on the event’s historical significance, Rahm denotes the ‘87 Ryder Cup victory on American soil and the emotion-laden ‘06 Ryder Cup as monumental moments that fuel his motivation. These moments, coupled with individual accomplishments like Sergio Garcia becoming the all-time leader in points for Europe, showcase the myriad of inspiring stories within the Ryder Cup’s rich history.

(This text was created with the help of AI)

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Ryder Cup 2023: Jon Rahm – Woods Conqueror and Europe’s Key Player

Jon Rahm will be at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Getty)
Jon Rahm will be at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Getty)

World number 3 Jon Rahm is already one of the most successful Spanish golfers of all time. With two Major titles already won and a total of 30 weeks at the top of the world rankings, the 28-year-old golfer manifests his impressive presence on the international stage. Over the course of 2023, Jon Rahm continues on his path of success. A highlight of this year was undoubtedly his victory at the US Masters, where he claimed the coveted Green Jacket. There is no doubt that Jon Rahm will also play a key role in the European team at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Jon Rahm at the Ryder Cup 2023

Rahm qualified for the 2023 Ryder Cup via two routes and was one of the first confirmed members of Team Europe early on. After closing the 2022 season with victories at the Acciona Open de Espana and the DP World Tour Championship, Rahm continued that impressive form in 2023. The year began for him with back-to-back wins on the PGA Tour at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the American Express Championship. It wasn’t long before he was in the winner’s circle again – this time at The Genesis Invitational. His fourth triumph earned Rahm the coveted green jacket and his second major title in April. A closing round of 69 on Sunday secured victory at the Masters by four strokes on what would have been the 66th birthday of the late, great Seve Ballesteros. Since then, he has finished in the top-10 three times, including runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club and the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool.

Woods conqueror Rahm faces third Ryder Cup appearance

Rahm has played in two editions of the Ryder Cupp so far (2018, 2020) in which he has recorded four wins, three losses and one draw. The Spaniard made his debut in Paris in 2018 after automatically qualifying for Thomas Bjørn’s European team. A memorable highlight of the week was his first Ryder Cup point, which he claimed during Sunday’s singles matches. In an impressive victory over Tiger Woods, he ensured that all Team Europe players won at least one point over the three days.

Jon Rahm’s greatest successes and prize money

Jon Rahm’s path to professional golf began during his time at Arizona State University. He joined the professional ranks at the remarkably young age of 22, in 2016. Just one year later, “Rahmbo” demonstrated his extraordinary talent when he won his first PGA Tour title at the Farmers Insurance Open. In July 2020, he climbed to the top of the world golf rankings for the first time by winning the Memorial. With this achievement, he followed in the footsteps of the legendary Seve Ballesteros and became the second Spanish golfer to reach this position. The following year, at the US Open, Jon Rahm continued his rise and secured the coveted victory at one of the prestigious Major tournaments. This underlined his ability to dominate at the highest level and hold his own among the best.

Last season was undoubtedly the highlight of Rahm’s career so far. The Spaniard won an impressive four matches this year, including the triumph at the US Masters. A memorable moment that occurred on the birthday of his idol Seve Ballesteros, of all people. This emotional connection gave his success a deeper meaning. Jon Rahm’s exceptional consistency and skills are reflected in his performances. In over 149 events played, he made the cut an incredible 134 times. With an impressive total winnings of $51 million, Rahm is undoubtedly one of the top earners on the tour.

Ryder Cup 2023: A look inside Jon Rahm’s golf bag

Since Jon Rahm’s switch to outfitter Callaway in 2021, things have gone steeply uphill for the exceptional Spanish golfer. With various victories and two Major titles, it was no wonder that he extended the cooperation this year and will now also play in the 2023 Ryder Cup with a pure Callaway golf bag. Rahm’s selection includes the latest woods from the Paradym series, as well as the Players Irons from the Apex models. When it comes to wedges, Rahm relies on Callaway’s classic Jaws Raw. His equipment is rounded off with the Odyssey White Hot OG putter and the Chrome Soft X golf ball.