Jon Rahm is embracing the opportunity to emulate idol Seve Ballesteros and win The Open Championship at St Andrews, an occasion he describes as “truly the pinnacle of golf”.
The 27-year-old made his debut in golf’s oldest Major at Royal Troon in 2016, and as he tees it up in his first Open at the Home of Golf, he is aiming to better his tied third place finish at Royal St George’s last year and become only the second Spanish player to lift the Claret Jug.
His hero Ballesteros won the second of his three Opens on the Old Course in 1984, with the image of him punching the air in celebration a memory that could inspire the 2021 U.S. Open Champion to his second Major title.
Asked what moment in Open history at St Andrews stood out above the rest for him, Rahm replied: “I don't want to go with the obvious, but '84 was very special for Spanish people. I'm going to go with that. That image of Seve celebrating, it's an iconic image not only for us but for the world of golf.”
Rahm is thrilled to experience the unique history of the venue and the firm and fast playing conditions that players will face on the Old Course this week.
“It's hard to put it into words, truly,” he said when asked what it means to be competing in the 150th edition of The Open.
“I love this game so much, and I love the history of it so much. And to be part of this edition and to have a chance to possibly win it, with everything that comes with it and how great of a venue this is, it's very unique.
“I've said it in interviews, in my opinion, this is truly the pinnacle of golf. I don't think it gets any better than winning at St Andrews. No offense to any other tournament in the world.
“It's the oldest championship on the oldest course and where it all started. Especially when you get into the setup we have this week, nice and firm and rolling and tricked out as it can be, and it's a really fun one. I'm looking forward to it.”
Three-time Open champion Jack Nicklaus famously said that a player’s career would not be complete without lifting the Claret Jug at the Old Course, a sentiment echoed by Tiger Woods, and Rahm is aware of the magnitude of a victory this week.
“I've heard multiple champions say it. Jack and Tiger both accomplished it. You can't really call yourself a great player unless you win The Open at St Andrews, which is a very selective group,” he said.
“And it can almost put your career to another level just because how great of a venue this one is.”
