Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson have been the first to appear in the press room of Trump National Doral in Miami where the fifth event of the LIV Golf season is taking place this week.
However, the press conference could well serve as a preview for the tournament that begins in just eight days, the first major of the season. It is normal that this is the case as the Masters of Augusta is just around the corner and all three will attend the Georgia event as tournament champions. Six green jackets between the three of them and of course, the defending champion, Jon Rahm. The Barrika native made it clear at the start of the press conference that he had not yet had time to recognise the course where they will play this week and from that moment almost everything has revolved around the Masters.
As we advanced in the last episode of Bola Provisional, Rahm has said that he was training at Augusta National last week: “I was there, yes. I wanted to go back at least once before Masters week. I didn’t want the first time I returned to Augusta National to be tournament week. I wanted to get many of those emotions out of the way, and also see the golf course, see if there had been any changes. When the tournament card came out, I received a million text messages saying it was 35 yards longer and I wanted to see it in person. I went a bit for fun and a bit to keep learning about the course. I’m trying to learn some new things and adapt to what they’ve changed and also trying to have fun. A member hosted me, I was able to bring one of my best friends and share that experience. So there was fun and learning and I’ve already been able to experience those emotions of being back, going to the champions’ locker room and seeing my name there…”, Jon summarised.
For the first time in seven years Rahm changes his routines and will play the week before the Masters. Considering he is the defending champion, the Barrika native believes it can be a good distraction for what lies ahead next week: “I’m glad to have a tournament this week. In Augusta you defend at the same venue (unlike the other majors) and it really is the first major where I defend the venue. Being at home this week could have been a bit harder trying to control those thoughts. Being here and having competition, you know, you’re focused on doing your job and it helps me train for next week. I think it’s going to help me,” concluded the Barrika native.
Last year Jon arrived at the first major with three victories in his bag and was a member of the PGA Tour. Asked whether he felt that this year he arrived in Georgia under different conditions or if he sees any difference in his game, Rahm has been clear: “I arrive a bit different. I won a lot at the beginning of last year but it’s true that then I had a month where I didn’t play my best. I went to Bay Hill, played badly. I went to the Match Play and played badly. I feel different in that sense. Last year I knew I was capable of playing really well. Obviously, I had done it all year, but that month I had a small dip that, in a way, helped me for the Masters. I was the big favourite, but Scottie was more than me”. But Jon didn’t stop there and added: “This year however I think I’ve played very good golf, but I haven’t been able to win yet. Now I have confidence, and I have the same confidence in my game practically any day of the year. I think that’s how any competitor should be. But this is the difference in how I’ve been playing the last few months”.
Rahm sends a warning to the rest of his rivals: “I feel comfortable. A bit fresher than last year so I’m looking forward to it”.
Looking at his defence Jon seems very nervous… with the Champions Dinner. It’s curious and perhaps even funny, but that’s how the player himself recognises it: “It’s an honour to be able to do it. It’s an unmatched tradition, like many things that week. Being part of that select group of people who won that tournament and wear that green jacket with pride and be in charge of the menu is quite incredible. It’s definitely one of the best moments of the week, but for some reason it makes me nervous. I have no idea why. But it intimidates me to have to stand up in front of that group and give a speech even though I know each of them has been in my position, some of them more than once. I don’t know, I’m going to be in that room with the legends of the game, and that’s something really cool that I’ll be able to tell and share”. Even the greatest bow to the traditions of the Masters.
Rahm was also asked about Rory’s statements in which he claimed that the way the world of golf is currently configured is not sustainable: “I think I agree with Rory,” said Rahm. “Every time I get asked a question like this, I say the same thing: I think there’s room for both. It’s that simple. I think we have the opportunity to have an even better product for viewers and golf fans. A little more variety doesn’t hurt anyone. So I think, well done, we can end up with a much better product that can take golf to the next level worldwide, and I hope that’s what ends up happening,” Jon concluded.
