Jon Rahm suggests whether he would rather win six majors or complete the career grand slam like Rory McIlroy did at The Masters

Add as preferred source on Google

This past Sunday saw one of the most significant days in golfing history, with Rory McIlroy becoming only the sixth man to complete the career grand slam with his victory at The Masters.

Rory McIlroy has been one Masters victory away from completing the career grand slam since 2014. For many, it appeared that the Northern Irishman would never get the job done, particularly as he had never come that close to challenging for victory at Augusta National in the past.

It was no surprise that McIlroy let out all of his emotions out on the 18th green after holing the putt in the playoff to beat Justin Rose and secure the green jacket.

Many will now be expecting several more majors to follow from McIlroy.

Jon Rahm suggests whether he would rather win the career grand slam or six majors

While McIlroy’s wait to win the grand slam was discussed at great length over the years, the 35-year-old was far from the only player knocking on the door to the club which previously only included Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.

Jon Rahm is one of those at least halfway to following McIlroy. The Spaniard has won the US Open and The Masters. So he could potentially get across the line this year should he win at Quail Hollow and Royal Portrush.

But speaking to Andrew Santino the week before The Masters, Rahm suggested that winning the career grand slam is not as important as his overall tally in the four biggest events of the year.

“There’s so many [goals]. An Open Championship and a PGA, hopefully a grand slam. If I can reach past five majors, past Seve, it would be incredible. More Ryder Cups hopefully. My first Ryder Cup I barely contributed, still counts as a win,” he said.

“Obviously, if I get to the third [major], I’ll be second on the all-time list in Spain. It’s a possibility, it’s not easy to do, not many golfers have done a grand slam.

“I’d rather focus on number of majors rather than focusing too much on the grand slam. So, like Phil, who has six, if you can get to six rather than just having a grand slam, I’d rather get to six.”

The players who, like Jon Rahm, are at least halfway to the career grand slam

There are seven current players who are at least halfway to winning the career grand slam – if you discount the likes of Zach Johnson and Martin Kaymer who did not play in all four majors last year.

The positive for Rahm is that both Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa boast the two majors that he wants. Winning the US Open is arguably a huge hurdle which the 30-year-old has already cleared.

The likes of Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson are one win away. Mickelson, of course, has finished second six times in the US Open.

Given the quality of the names on the list, it is hard to imagine that it will be another 25 years before someone joins the grand slam club.