Fiery Spaniard Jon Rahm was nothing but humble in his post-round interview as he preferred to dish out well-deserved praise on Christiaan Bezuidenhout, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
The young South African notched up the country’s 157th win on the European Tour on Sunday and fended off the World No 11 in the process.
The defining moment came on the 8th green as Bezuidenhout rolled into a lengthy par save with his lead having been reduced from seven shots to just three.
The save must’ve been a blow to the solar plexus of Rahm, who was beginning to charge, and his legions of supporters cheering him on around the famed Valderrama layout.
‘Those putts on eight, nine and 10 were unbelievable,’ said Rahm, who had a front-row seat for the South African’s masterclass.
Often criticised for letting his emotions boil over, the Spaniard was the consummate professional in steering all talk back to the first-time winner.
‘I really hope I’m not the last one on TV because today it’s all about him.’
‘He played an amazing tournament. A wonderful round of golf. Ten under par at Valderrama is no joke. Today, he played a great back nine to get back into position, he never lost patience. It was amazing to see. He never lost that lead, never lost his composure and kept it going.
‘No matter what I did or what I learned, it’s all about him. He had a hell of round and we’ll hear from him again. I wish him all the best.’
Whatever the world learned about the wide range of Bezuidenhout’s skills on course, the words of Rahm after the heat of battle also revealed more about his character.
Both players are wonderful ambassadors for the game of golf.
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
