Jon Rahm was in red-hot form on the first day of the Ryder Cup, with the Spaniard producing multiple memorable and clutch moments throughout at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.
Chipping in three times on Friday, Rahm had also struck the flag with his tee shot on the par 3 seventh, as well as holing an eagle putt on the 18th hole to secure a tie against Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, who later said that Rahm acted “like a child.”
Below, we have detailed the clutch moments, with the 28-year-old one of Europe’s key figures as they go in pursuit of winning back the Ryder Cup. Certainly, with a dominant 6.5 – 1.5 display on Friday, they are well on their way to doing so.
EAGLE PUTT – FOUR BALLS – 18TH HOLE
We begin with the putt on the 18th hole, which actually tied up the match and secured half a point for Europe. Facing off against the World No.1, Scheffler, and a five-time Major winner in Koepka, Rahm and partner, Nicolai Hojgaard, were up against a tough task on Friday afternoon.
However, thanks to Hojgaard making seven birdies in 14 holes, it remained tight throughout. As the scores were level going into the 15th, USA ended up claiming the 15th, Europe the 16th and USA the 17th to put them 1-up.
Hitting two glorious shots, Rahm managed to hit the green with his second and had a lengthy eagle putt to all but win the match. Watching his opponents put their third shots close, Rahm would have to hole the putt for the win and a crucial half point.
Taking his putter back, the ball rolled towards the hole, clattered the back of it, jumped in the air and then dropped for the eagle. Rahm’s reaction? Well, he put his head in his hands and looked on in shock at what had happened, not quite believing it.
CHIP IN – FOUR BALLS – 16TH HOLE
JON RAHM, WOW! 🤯#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/CqUUwBjtGXSeptember 29, 2023
Just two holes before that putt, Rahm made a critical chip-in for eagle at the 16th. Making two eagles in his final three holes, the chip caused a huge reaction from the Spaniard, who had just seen Koepka make birdie on the short par 4.
Firing his tee shot over the back of the green, Rahm’s next shot, a chip and run, landed on the green…
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