Jon Rahm closed the first round of the LIV Golf tournament in Chicago tied for third place, just one stroke behind the leaders, on a day when windy conditions and firm fairways influenced the play. The current champion at Bolingbrook Golf Club acknowledged that his victory last year gave him an extra boost of confidence. “I had the feeling of confidence that I know I can do it, but it’s a completely different wind. The fairways somehow seem firmer than last year,” explained the man from Barrika, emphasizing that the key was to execute well and, at times, benefit from a lucky bounce.
The fight for the overall circuit standings adds an extra element to this final stretch of the season. With Joaquín Niemann, the current ranking leader, having a poor first round, Rahm admitted that the situation could open up an opportunity for him: “I don’t think I have to worry too much about what Joaco does. I need to win anyway. I need a bit of that fortune that he doesn’t have his best day.” However, he warned that the Chilean has already shown the ability to come back after slow starts and that he still expects to see him fight for points.
Rahm also analysed some of the more complex shots of his round, where the ball sometimes behaved somewhat unpredictably on fairways and greens. “I think on some of those iron shots, like on 16, it was just bad luck that it landed on the steepest part of the slope,” he commented, noting that he might adjust his strategy on certain tee shots tomorrow to seek more controlled positions, acknowledging that “it’s a bit of the luck needed in this sport”.
With two rounds to play, the Spaniard heads into the weekend with chances both to defend his title in Chicago and to challenge for the lead in the overall standings. The margin is narrow and the demand high, but Rahm remains confident: “I hope to be the one who gets the most points this week.” The battle with Niemann promises to be one of the great attractions of this final stretch of the LIV Golf season, whose individual standings will be decided next week in Indianapolis, before the grand team final.
