Resolute Rahm wins on home soil

What happened at the Open de Espana?

There has been plenty of talk ever since Jon Rahm broke onto the scene that the Spaniard’s tantrums on the golf course may hold him back from brilliance.

This was a tournament that could have quite easily got away from the 23-year-old. After opening up a two-shot lead halfway through the round, Nacho Elvira started to make a run at the favourite. Back-to-back birdies at 13 and 14 had the two Spaniards level, and when Rahm stepped onto the tee at the brutally difficult 17^th, it looked as though he was about to throw away the tournament.

Final Open de Espana leaderboard

A slightly pulled tee shot only just skirted the water hazard and somehow found dry land. Of course, Rahm being Rahm, it was the wind that was at fault, and not the result of a shot that was plagued with danger and indeed pressure.

But how many times have we seen acts of petulance followed by moments of brilliance in Rahm’s assault to the top of the game in the past year?

He proved yet again here that he doesn’t let his temperament get to him. A beautifully played flop shot from the thick rough settled only a few feet from the hole, which he duly brushed in for a sensational par-save.

Now the pressure was on Elvira, who played a similar shot to the one of Rahm’s at 17, but this time it kicked into the water. The chip for a par burned the lip, and he missed the short putt for a bogey – all but handing Rahm the title.

Congratulations @JonRahmpga!

The #OpendeEspaña Champion ? pic.twitter.com/FmHyiKEzlJ

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

Talking point

Does Rahm’s attitude hold him back? Again we saw moments of madness from the Spaniard this week – at one point on Friday he was angered by the home crowd clapping him after he missed a putt.

But does it actually affect him? He has five wins in 45 worldwide starts as a professional – that’s remarkable. A major championship is surely imminent.

Last week Mark Townsend and James Savage discussed if the Spaniard needs to grow up if he’s to have major success.

Best moments

Vamos Nacho!

Elvira moves into the lead at 18 under par ???? pic.twitter.com/4CHjPyKoam

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

The Rahm roar! ?

The World Number 4 chips in at 10… pic.twitter.com/K7YfLlT8s7

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

Back-to-back!

Elvira is pumped ? pic.twitter.com/fsFTrVxlDF

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

From thinking he'd found water ➡️ A fine par save.

That could be crucial from Rahm… pic.twitter.com/imr7mos4tO

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

"The one place you can't afford to go on 17 is left…"#OpendeEspaña pic.twitter.com/7R70fdrn59

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

Wow. Inches from the save of the week from Elvira.#OpendeEspaña pic.twitter.com/b4KvgMNAh8

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 15, 2018

Best quote

When I made that putt on 17, I got to the tee at 18 and thought I was just going to hit it as hard as I can. It’s by far the hardest Sunday I’ve ever had to play because everyone wanted me to win.

– Jon Rahm

Best stats

If @JonRahmpga wins today, he will become the 5th player in the last 30 years with 3 @EuropeanTour wins & 2 @PGATOUR wins before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth).

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 15, 2018

Jon Rahm: 3rd-youngest winner of @EuropeanTour Open de Espana since Tour formed in 1972 (2002 Garcia, 2007 Schwartzel were younger).

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) April 15, 2018