Golf Legends Praise Jon Rahm

JON RAHM’S dramatic victory at the US Open at Torrey Pines touched the hearts of many in the golfing world, with legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player leading the tributes to the Spaniard as he landed the first of what will surely be many major victories.

Rahm birdied his final two holes to post a four-under 67 at Torrey Pines and finish a shot clear of South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen, making him the first Spanish winner of the US Open and taking him back to the top of the world rankings.

The 26-year-old's victory came just two weeks after he tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced to withdraw from The Memorial while holding a six-shot lead, and 18-time major champion Nicklaus - the host at Muirfield Village that week - was among the first to congratulate Rahm.

"We saw a US Open that any one of 10 players could've won when the back nine started," Nicklaus said. "We then saw them, one-by-one, self-destruct. It was unfortunate, but in majors that can and does happen.

"There were two players in Jon Rahm and Louis Oosthuizen who didn't self-destruct. Rahm and Oosthuizen played beautifully. Jon then finished a US Open like we haven't seen anyone finish in almost 40 years - two birdies on the last two holes. He was terrific.

"I was happy that Rahm won. What happened to him two weeks ago at the Memorial Tournament - being forced to withdraw with Covid when leading by six shots after three rounds, meant Jon was my pick all week. I was delighted for him. Jon handled what happened at Muirfield beautifully.

“His acceptance speech was terrific. He didn't blame anyone for what happened at the Memorial and said that things like this happen in life. He then shared the story of losing someone close to him because of Covid, so he truly knows how dangerous this pandemic has been.

"I send my heartfelt congratulations to Jon. I'm sure this major is just the first of many for him. My wife Barbara and I are both happy for him and his wife, Kelley! What a nice way for Jon to celebrate his first Father's Day by winning the U.S. Open. Now, that is pretty special!"

Many players and several former major champions turned to social media to praise Rahm for his major breakthrough, with Player, himself a nine-time major winner, impressed with how the Spaniard recognised compatriot Seve Ballesteros in his winning interview.

"How clutch were those last two putts by Jon Rahm?" Player tweeted. "What a great display of emotion when they went in as well. Jon has been knocking on the door and it was only a matter of time until he won a major.

"Jon has shown so much class over after his devastating withdrawal from the Memorial. It's great to see him turn that disappointment into the biggest victory of his career. It was also really nice to see Rahm pay great respect to Seve Ballesteros after his round.

"Finally, my heart goes out to Louis. He's come close once again. I have no doubt that he will win another major soon. Keep pushing my friend."