Jon Rahm, a key figure in Spanish and global sport, is set to fulfil one of his greatest dreams: to compete in the Olympic Games for the first time, specifically in Paris from 1 to 4 August.
The impressive record forged by Jon Rahm since he turned professional eight years ago has made him a major figure in golf in particular and Spanish sport in general, based on his charisma, determination and professionalism.
Jon Rahm, 29, has been at the top of the World Ranking since he broke into the professional scene in July 2016, accumulating since 2017 eight victories in the European Tour – DP World Tour and another twelve in the PGA Tour.
Special mention for his victories in two ‘majors’, the US Open 2021 and The Masters 2023, as well as for his significant contribution to the victory of the European team in the Ryder Cup of 2018 and 2023.
Jon, you have been outstandingly defending the colours of Spain for many years since you were very young. What does it mean to compete in the Olympics now?
I admit it wasn’t a dream of mine as a child because it wasn’t a possibility then, but being an Olympian, representing your country, is the highest honour any athlete can have. Being able to be part of it, after the bad luck of Tokyo – testing positive for Covid a few days before it started – makes me very excited and I hope I can be part of the Spanish medal tally. I was lucky enough to do it as an amateur and I hope now to do it as a professional.
You will be living in the same sports space with other great Spanish athletes, such as Nadal, Alcaraz, Cravioto, Marín… An additional incentive for you?
Yes, it is an incentive, a pity that we play outside the Olympic Village and are a bit far from Paris. It will be the fourth consecutive week of competition for me and it is possible that I will not be able to do everything I would like in Paris, enjoy the Games more in general. But being part of that list of Spanish athletes is impressive for me.
Three years ago an unexpected positive Covid test prevented you from competing in the Tokyo Olympics. How do you remember it? Is it something that now gives you more strength?
It was a tough time, very tough, because I was playing very well that year. I had already tested positive before and had to withdraw from a tournament, but nobody thought it could happen again. Not being able to participate in the Olympics, when my caddie had already taken off to meet me in Phoenix to then fly to Tokyo… Wow, it was tough, very tough… It took me a long time to get over it… Knowing that I had a chance of a medal and not being able to participate… So yes, this year I go with extra motivation, eager to know that I lost an opportunity and being aware that who knows how many more I will have.
The Golf National, a course you know well, home of the golf discipline, suits you?
Yes, I know it well. I had the opportunity to win a French Open there, but a double or triple bogey on hole 12 prevented me. Then, the Ryder Cup of 2018 that we won, although I didn’t play very well, brings back great memories. It’s a demanding course, where you have to do everything well from tee to green, a course that suits my game, from which you can’t hide in any way. If everything goes as planned, I will have a chance to win a medal.
The competition is individual, not team-based, but you have David Puig by your side. What can you bring to him and he to you?
That’s something I would like to change, that the competition was more team-based, truly representing Spain, or that at least there was an option to compete somewhat as a team, like in tennis. In any case, sharing it with David is going to be incredible. We haven’t played together many times, but we have similar trajectories, first in Spain, in the national teams, then at Arizona State University in the United States. I’m very excited that he has qualified and to be able to share it with him.
Key Dates of Olympic Golf
23 July: The Olympic Torch visits Le Golf National
29 July: Announcement of matches and tee times in the men’s golf competition
1-4 August: Men’s golf competition
5 August: Announcement of matches and tee times for the women’s golf competition
7-10 August: Women’s golf competition
