Having capped a magnificent 2019 season, Jon Rahm is still looking forward to a big and hopefully successful 2020 despite the major disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In an interview with Golf Monthly, Rahm opens up about what makes him tick on and off the golf course and which factors have contributed to his meteoric rise to the No 2 ranked golfer in the world.
Rahm concluded last year by snatching the Race to Dubai title from Tommy Fleetwood with a victory at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.
But, the next main objective for someone with his talent and record would be to add a first Major title to his resume.
In the interview, Rahm credits his self-belief and competitive nature for his success so far.
‘Anything in life as a competitor, you need that confidence and to believe in yourself,’ said Rahm.
‘I always have confidence, I don’t think I’ve ever been on the “not having confidence” side. I’ve never lost confidence. If we’re talking about confidence and belief being the same thing, then yes, sometimes you’re not hitting the ball well, but I’m always confident that I’m going to hit the best stroke possible.’
Hard work has also been a key ingredient to his evolvement as a golfer, something that he has been strict about since his childhood days and time spent competing as an amateur.
‘What came easy to me was the short game because that was what I practised the most. But I was a horrible ball-striker.
‘It took me going to college and meeting some people in the US to make me understand my swing and how to hit it better. Once I understood that, I became one of the best ball-strikers at college and then on tour. But it was a big 360 in my game – I was not a good ball-striker whatsoever,’ Rahm said.
The Spaniard delivered a Ryder Cup masterclass at Le Golf National in 2018 when he beat Tiger Woods in the Sunday Singles, which helped Europe to a famous victory over their American counterparts.
Rahm’s celebrations and emotions were clear to see as he enjoyed the moment with some of his teammates.
And for him, a competitive nature has always been part of his life and has been visible in everything he does in life.
‘Trust me when I say I behave the same way when I’m playing cards at home or on the golf course. It’s simply who I am. There have been moments where my emotions have got the better of me.
‘You’re going to get a reaction out of me whether it’s a good shot or a bad shot, but there have been times where maybe a situation has escalated quickly and I’ve been a little more frustrated than I should have been. But it’s not a bad thing,’ Rahm said.
