The 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National is one of Europe’s most dominating performances and also proved to be a breakout year for Jon Rahm.
Rahm was one of the emerging stars of European golf back in ’18 and he very much proved his worth over three days in France.
As Europe ran out 17.5 to 10.5 winners over the USA, Rahm was actually struggling in the team format, losing both his matches alongside Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.
How long should an 18 hole round of golf take?
However, not to be deterred, Rahm was sent out for the Sunday Singles and had the unenviable task of trying to take down a reinvigorated Tiger Woods.
Nevertheless, it didn’t bother Rahm.
Jon Rahm’s comments after beating Tiger Woods at the 2018 Ryder Cup
With Woods having clocked up his 80th career win in 2018 and knowing now that he would go on to win The Masters the year later, this was a Tiger Woods very much in form.
However, Rahm took it in his stride and didn’t even need all 18 holes to see off the former world number one.
Instead, Rahm saw Woods off 2&1, sealing a memorable point for him on his debut and crucially, giving Europe a three point cushion at the time.
Indeed, after seeing off Woods, an emotional Rahm spoke on just how he was feeling at the time.
“I mean, I grew up watching that guy,” Rahm said.
“Last week I was making a video at the top of the East Lake clubhouse, just watching him win his 80th event. The list goes on and on. To play the golf I did, barely missed any shots, got up early, and to clinch it the way I did after the missed putt on 16, it’s a lot of emotions.”
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Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup record
Jon Rahm has only played in four Ryder Cups so far and been on the winning side on three of those occasions, contributing heavily.
With 10.5 points already in that period, Rahm is already up to 15th on the all-time leading scorers list for Europe.
Rahm’s best tournament so far came in 2021, when he won 3.5 points, but he also won three in 2023, and added another three as a crucial pillar of the team in this year’s win at Bethpage Black.
| Jon Rahm at the Ryder Cup | |
| Wins | 9 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Ties | 3 |
| Points | 10.5 |
The Spaniard is very much considered a key player for Europe now but with him being on LIV Golf and certain issues still not resolved, there are questions over whether he will play in 2027 at Adare Manor.
If he does miss out due to golf politics, it will be a huge shame and more importantly, a massive blow to Luke Donald and Team Europe.
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