Jon Rahm became only the second Spaniard in history to reach the summit of the Official World Golf Rankings after his victory at the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide, joining European legend Seve Ballesteros.
It was a case of when, not if, for the 25 year old, who took just over four years to make the impressive transition from the top of the World Amateur Golf Rankings to the top of the Official World Golf Rankings.
For Rahm, the achievement was the realisation of a childhood goal.
“I don't know how to describe it. It's been a goal since I was 13, 14 years old,” he said.
“I remember I heard a story on the radio from my swing coach back in Spain, Eduardo Celles. We were driving somewhere and he asked me what my goals were and my ambitions and this and that, and I remember telling him, I think 13 or 14 years old, it's like, I'm going to be the best player in the world, and that's what I set out to be.
“It's pretty surreal to think it's happened this quickly, right, in less than 10 years. I mean, how many people get to achieve a lifelong team, a short lifelong dream, in their mid-20s? It's incredible.”
Here, we take a look back at how he got there.
A successful amateur career
Jon Rahm made his presence known to the world during a successful college career at Arizona State that saw him win 11 titles, become the first two-time recipient of the Ben Hogan award for the top College golfer, and ascend to the top of the World Amateur Golf Rankings on two occasions.
The Spaniard first reached the top of the rankings in April 2015, a position he held for 25 weeks to earn a spot in the 2016 U.S. Open, and it was there that we got the first real glimpse of his natural talent.
Rahm, who was once again ranked as the top ranked amateur heading into the event– a position he held for a record 60 weeks in total, turned professional immediately after finishing the tournament as the low amateur.
Rahm joins the European Tour
Rahm joined the European Tour a year later, and announced his arrival with an impressive display around Le Golf National to finish in a tie for 10th at the HNA Open de France.
Rounds of 70, 69, 71 and 69 saw the rookie finish tied with Alex Noren and Lee Westwood, seven shots behind that of the triumphant Tommy Fleetwood.
First European Tour win
The following week, Rahm turned up at the Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open with just one thing on his mind – winning a Rolex Series event.
It was with this breakthrough win at Portstewart Golf Club that Rahm really made his statement. With rounds of 65, 67, 67 and 65, the Spaniard bested an elite field to capture his first European Tour title by a convincing six shot margin over Richie Ramsay and Matthew Southgate.
Dubai victory and Rookie honours
As the European Tour reached its grand finale at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, Rahm once again showcased his talent with a one stroke victory over Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Shane Lowry in the final event of the 2017 season.
The triumph saw Rahm named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year just a week after his 23rd birthday, and moved him into third place in the Race to Dubai Rankings behind Justin Rose and eventual champion Tommy Fleetwood.
Home comforts
Winning on the European Tour is special, but winning in your home country with home support is something not every golfer is lucky enough to experience.
Rahm achieved it at the 2018 Open de España, claiming his third European Tour title during his first appearance on home soil as a professional golfer.
Ryder Cup delight
Just over two years after turning professional, Rahm would find himself as a key part of Thomas Bjørn’s victorious European side at The 2018 Ryder Cup.
Qualifying in the top spot on the European World Points List, Rahm featured in three matches across the three days, which included a notable 2&1 victory over Tiger Woods.
This victory help guide Team Europe to a comfortable 17½ - 10½ victory at Le Golf National, Paris.
Rolex Series History
After finishing in a tie for fourth at the 2018 Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open, Rahm was hopeful a third successful week in Ireland would help him reclaim the trophy he won in 2017.
It looked unlikely after he opened with rounds of 67, 71 and 64, but Rahm remained determined as he overturned a six stroke defecit with a final round of 62.
It was enough for a two shot victory, and Rahm was rewarded with a slice of history as he became the first player to win three Rolex Series titles.
Record-breaker Rahm
The 2019 Mutuactivos Open de España was another history-making week for the Spaniard.
Making his 39th start on the European Tour, Rahm became the fastest player to win five European Tour victories as he closed out a five stroke victory over compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid.
European Number One
Rahm arrived at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in 2019 as one of five players who could end the week as Europe’s Number One.
With the title in his sights, Rahm held off a late challenge from fellow contender Tommy Fleetwood with a final hole birdie, winning the event for a second time and ending the season with the Race to Dubai crown.
World Number One glory
Rahm entered last week’s event at Muirfield Village with the knowledge that only a victory would likely guarantee that he could displace Rory McIlroy and enjoy his first stint as World Number One.
Entering the final round with a four stroke lead, Rahm looked to be in control as he cautiously navigated a difficult final day at The Memorial Tournament to double that advantage by the turn.
He recovered well from a brief slip in composure on the 10th and 11th holes, and held on through two further dropped shots to claim a three stroke victory over Ryan Palmer. The highlight of his round was an extraordinary chip-in for birdie at the par three 16th, but he was latterly awarded a two stroke penalty for unintentionally moving the ball at rest beforehand. It was an unfortunate end, but it didn’t alter the result, which saw Rahm earn his fourth PGA Tour victory and achieve the title of World Number One for the very first time at the age of 25.
Rahm becomes the fastest European player to do so, just 4 years and 27 days after turning professional.
