‘Sorry Kelley!’ Jon Rahm reveals intimate World No 1 celebrations
By Matt Chivers
You can’t help but love the Spaniard for his honesty – though his wife might disagree!
Jon Rahm often responds to questions in the most honest way possible – and it’s something we love about him. But he took it to another level ahead of this week’s WM Phoenix Open.
The Spaniard was speaking to the media at TPC Scottsdale on Tuesday when he was asked if he had “a souvenir” or a lasting memory from the first time he became World No 1 at the Memorial Tournament in 2020.
This, his fifth Tour win, came at a time when Rahm and his wife Kelley Cahill had thoughts about extending their family, so they saw that Sunday night in Ohio as the perfect place to begin.
“I do. His name is Kepa. He’s almost two years old,” he joked. “Sorry, Kelley!”
He didn’t need to go into more detail, but he did. “She can tell you the story more than me,” Rahm added. “We suspect that it was that night.”
The reporter probably received a little more detail from Rahm than they’d imagined. Kepa was born just before the 2021 Masters in 2021 – so the numbers add up – and their second son, Eneko, arrived in August the following year.
Rahm, who was dethroned from top spot by the rampant Scottie Scheffler at the WGC-Match Play last March, still has strong claims to call himself the best golfer on the planet right now and has previously questioned the current world rankings system.
The 28-year-old has four wins in his last seven starts worldwide and he has previously called for the PGA Tour to organise more global events. But while residing in Scottsdale, he will hope to use the home comforts to his advantage this week.
“It’s always good to stay at home for a tournament even though it’s a little different, the dynamics we usually have, being in a hotel or not being in a hotel,” he added.
“That’s the best part just being comfortable. It’s not like I’m overly having to try to learn the golf course or get familiar with the area. It’s a lot easier, a lot less stress to deal with. Very comfortable, very happy. Looking forward to continuing the good play, and hopefully showing up Sunday with a chance.”
Rahm can return to the World No 1 spot this week with his third win this season. Perhaps a third child could be in the offing too?
Will Jon Rahm become World No 1 again at the WM Phoenix Open? Tweet me and let me know!
Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
