Jon Rahm finds himself in contention for the PGA Championship, sitting T5 heading into the final round. The Spaniard, now a prominent figure on LIV Golf, insists he has "nothing to prove" as he aims for his third major title and a significant career milestone. His strong performance at Aronimink Golf Club, following a charge up the leaderboard, marks his best major showing since his high-profile switch to the Saudi-backed league.
Rahm's presence at the sharp end of a major tournament has refocused attention on his career trajectory. He stated his current game is "really good," pushing back against the narrative that his move to LIV Golf has hampered his performance in elite events. This PGA Championship could see him become the first active LIV Golf player to win a major since Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open, and the first Spanish golfer to win this particular major.
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The golfer emphasizes a focus on his own game, downplaying external judgments about his decision to join LIV Golf. He has consistently denied a direct link between his tour affiliation and any perceived dip in his game, attributing past struggles to his swing simply not being at the desired level.
A Career Reshaped
Since joining LIV Golf, Rahm has maintained a consistent presence, generally finishing within the top 10 in LIV events. However, his major championship results prior to this PGA Championship have been met with closer scrutiny. A 14th-place finish at the Masters last month, for instance, drew commentary regarding his standing among the world's top players, with some analyses noting his current ranking outside the top five, and even outside the top five European players.
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Rahm's performance on Saturday at the PGA Championship saw him card a 4-under 67. This round included several birdies, but also a couple of bogeys. One notable moment involved an approach shot that struck a spectator, leading to a brief, lighthearted interaction where Rahm signed a golf glove for the fan. He later joked about the incident, relating it humorously to a soccer player's aim.
Context and Expectations
The narrative surrounding Rahm is further complicated by his past successes. Victory at the PGA Championship would mark his third major title, potentially making him the first Spaniard to win three different major championships. His current form, however, is seen by some as a necessary reassertion of his status after the disruption caused by his move to LIV Golf. Despite reports of his swing not being as sharp as in previous years, he appears "hungry" for another major win. The final round of the PGA Championship is scheduled for Sunday, with broadcast coverage starting at 4pm on Sky Sports Golf.
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