Jon Rahm took nothing but positives from his week at the WGC - Dell Technologies Match Play after pushing World Number One Dustin Johnson all the way at Austin Country Club.
The Spaniard was playing just his second event since joining the European Tour and followed up his tie for third at the WGC - Mexico Championship by losing one up in the final in Texas.
A win would have moved the 22 year old into the top ten in the Official World Golf Ranking and although his rise has been swift, Rahm is convinced his success is no flash in the pan and he belongs among the elite.
"I confirmed what I already thought, that I belong here," he said. "I'm just 22, it's my rookie season and I'm just blessed and glad and happy. I don't know many more adjectives to describe how positive I feel that I had the chance today to win yet another WGC. It's just my second one and I had a chance to win both of them.
"Unfortunately for me, I had the hottest player on earth.
"I'm not going to win them all, but I'm certainly giving myself opportunities and I just love the fact that I'm giving myself opportunities."
Rahm had a 100 per cent record going into the final but was in danger of getting blown away on the front nine at five down after eight holes before he mounted a stunning fightback to take the match down the last.
"It gives me confidence," he added. "It shows me that I can compete with someone like DJ and any other player, even if I had probably one of my worst front nines possible.
I confirmed what I already thought, that I belong here - Jon Rahm
"If anything, it's just all positives. I'm probably going to learn a lot from this week. I'll try to remember all the good stuff I've done on the back nine in the previous days. Winning two matches, one on 13 and one on 14, obviously I did something right. I remember that I've only lost the last match.
"Unfortunately for me, today was the worst day I've played golf all week. Knowing that had I played good, I might have had a chance to win. And knowing from now on, any time I step on that tee I'm confident enough that I can win a tournament.
"I'm very proud of what I did, very proud for what I stood for on the course. Very proud of fighting hard and being able to make birdies where I needed them and up-and-downs, a couple of them.
"So honestly, as sad as I might emotionally feel, I'm extremely happy with what I did. Trying to keep the curve of emotion going up right now."
