Connect with us

Blog

You Probably Didn’t Know These 18 Facts About Jon Rahm

Avatar photo

Published

on

18 Jon Rahm Facts You Didn't Know

Jon Rahm was already one of the biggest stars in golf before his career-defining victory at the U.S. Open. The 26-year-old Spaniard’s birdie-birdie finish was the perfect punctuation mark on Rahm’s first major title.

You know Rahm for his elite off-the-tee game (second on tour); representing Europe at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he defeated his idol, Tiger Woods, in Sunday singles; and maybe his on-course temper. But we bet you might not know these other 18 things about the first Spanish champion in U.S. Open history.

Rahm credits the 1997 Ryder Cup as being huge for getting his family into golf.

Rahm’s father, Edorta, had never played golf or seen it in person until the Ryder Cup came to Valderrama in 1997. Rahm says he started playing and got lessons when he was 6 or 7 years old.

Among the other sports Rahm tried as a kid in Barrika, Spain, was Kung Fu.

Rahm says he played five sports up until he was 14 years old (soccer, canoeing, Jai alai, golf and Kung Fu). Rahm was a fan of martial arts movies as a kid, and when one of his friends started doing Kung Fu, he got into it.

Rahm’s local coach, Eduardo Celles, started working with the Spaniard when he was 13, and he encouraged him to shorten his swing.

Rahm explains that he struggled with accuracy as a junior but still hit it farther than anyone else. Celles encouraged him to shorten his backswing for more control, and to this day, Rahm has one of the shortest backswings on tour.

Matthew Lewis/R&A

He had never been to the United States—and spoke almost no English—before arriving in Tempe, Ariz., in fall 2012 to enroll at Arizona State.

Phil Mickelson’s brother, Tim, was the men’s golf coach at the time, and recruited Rahm when the Spaniard had very few offers. Rahm had to rush to take the SATs and verify his qualifications before being eligible at Arizona State in the fall, just a few months after Mickelson contacted him.

Tim Mickelson gets credit from Rahm for helping him learn English: Mickelson would make him and another Spanish-speaking teammate do 10 burpees for every Spanish word they used.

Though Rahm has said that learning the lyrics to rap songs helped him pick up slang and other English phrases not taught in a class, he says the rap part was exaggerated by the media after his win at the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open. He does cite Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools” and Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie” as songs that particularly helped.

Jim Rogash

As a junior, Rahm earned a sponsor’s invitation into the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open and finished T-5.

It was the first time since Chris Wood’s T-5 at the 2008 Open Championship that an amateur finished T-5 or better in a PGA Tour event. And Rahm was just the second amateur to finish in the top five on tour since Justin Rose’s T-4 at the 1998 Open.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rahm became the first multiple-time winner of the Ben Hogan Award, which honors the best player in college golf.

He also rose to the No. 1-ranked spot on the World Amateur Golf Rankings, having amassed 11 tournament victories at Arizona State, the second-most in school history (trailing only Phil Mickelson). Despite the success in pro events as an amateur, Rahm stayed four years at ASU—as a promise to his parents.

Following a T-23 at the 2016 U.S. Open—where he was the only amateur to make the cut—Rahm turned professional.

In just seven starts over the rest of the 2016 season, Rahm finished T-2 at the RBC Canadian Open, T-3 at the Quicken Loans (his first pro start) and collected just a little more than $1 million in on-course earnings.

Rahm treated himself to a Porsche with those on-course earnings in the fall of 2016.

He told Golf Digest then: “It’s good for me to see it, wake up every day and see what I’ve accomplished the last eight years.”

The Spaniard showed up to our last shoot with him in 2019 in a shiny Arizona State-maroon Mercedes AMG G 63.

In addition to being Rahm’s college coach, Tim Mickelson was also Rahm’s agent after the Spaniard turned pro.

Mickelson left his head coaching position at ASU in 2017 to pursue an agent career at Lagardere Sports, representing Rahm until Phil Mickelson asked his brother to become his caddie.

Jon Rahm met his wife, Kelley Cahill, at Arizona State—where she was on the track and field team and threw javelin.

Rahm proposed to his college sweetheart while hiking near Torrey Pines in 2018 prior to the U.S. Open. And Rahm had the ring custom-built, as he told Golf.com in 2018: “I designed it. So Brian Stuard’s [wife] is a jeweler and is a really good friend of ours. So Kelley was talking to her. She knew what Kelley wanted, but I had my own ideas. Basically, with her help, I designed the ring. She wanted to pick the diamond, but I knew what I wanted. I designed what’s around the ring. It’s supposed to look like a crown and an engraving inside. I had a big part in it.”

The two got married in December 2019 in Bilboa, Spain.

The ceremony was in the Basilica de Begoña in Rahm’s hometown.

With his wife, Kelley, due to give birth to their first son in April 2021, Jon vowed to withdraw from the Masters if she went into labor during the tournament.

Jon never had to follow through on the promise as Kepa was born a few days prior to Augusta. And though his son was just 10 weeks old when Dad won the U.S. Open, Rahm remarked: “he won’t remember this … but I do.” Rahm will get to tell his son all about it one day.

Ezra Shaw

Known for showing his emotions on the course, Rahm credits a shift mentally on Sunday at the 2021 PGA in being calmer on the course.

He said about that shift over the past month: “I still had that grit, but it was almost like each miss bothered me less. I couldn’t tell you why.” Perhaps that’s fatherhood adding that, you know, perspective.

He has worked on his temper with a mental coach, Joseba Del Carmen, who used to be a bomb-disposal expert.

Rahm told Golf Digest this in 2019: “I used to think that golf is my life, that it’s who I am. [Del Carmen] was the first person to make me realize that it’s not, and that golf and life are very similar. The happier I am in life, the better I’m going to play. But I’m much more interested in raising a family and being a good husband and father than I am in golf. Don’t get me wrong—I want to be the best golfer I can be. If I had a gun to my head and had to choose between having only one or the other, I wouldn’t pick golf. I hope people don’t take that as me thinking I’d quit, but I’d choose family every time.”

On Saturday at the Memorial, Rahm had opened up a six-shot lead when he was forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.

Rahm was told by PGA Tour officials immediately after stepping off the 18th green on Saturday, and the scene unfolded while TV cameras were still running—capturing an emotional Rahm on TV. To his credit, Rahm said before the U.S. Open he did not fault the PGA Tour for how it was handled—a sentiment he reiterated in his post-round interviews.

This is not the first time Rahm has earned the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings.

The Spaniard first ascended to the top spot after winning the 2020 Memorial last July. He was ranked No. 1 for two weeks before Justin Thomas surpassed him, then Rahm retook the No. 1 ranking for two more weeks before Dustin Johnson was ranked No. 1 for the past 43 weeks.

The $2.25 million first-place prize Rahm earned at the U.S. Open gives the Spaniard more than $28 million in PGA Tour on-course earnings.

Ezra Shaw

In addition to Rahm’s six PGA Tour victories, he also boasts six European Tour titles—amassing more than 6.4 million euros for those wins.

This article originally appeared on Golf Digest.

Blog

The Unwritten Rules Every Golfer Should Know About Etiquette

Learn the essential golf etiquette rules that will make you a welcome playing partner on any course. Master these unwritten rules of golf.

Avatar photo

Published

on

There’s an old saying in golf that the game reveals character, and nowhere is this more evident than in how a golfer conducts themselves on the course. Golf etiquette isn’t just about following rules – it’s about respect, consideration, and preserving the traditions that make golf the gentleman’s (and gentlewoman’s) game it has always been.

I learned this lesson early in my golf journey during a round at a prestigious private club where I was a guest. I was so focused on trying to play well and impress my host that I completely forgot about basic etiquette. I walked across putting lines, failed to repair ball marks, and generally acted like someone who had never set foot on a golf course before. My host was gracious about it, but I could tell I had embarrassed both of us. That experience taught me that how you play golf is just as important as how well you play golf.

Golf etiquette exists for practical reasons. It keeps the game moving at a reasonable pace, protects the course conditions for everyone who follows, and ensures that all players can enjoy their round without unnecessary distractions or frustrations. But beyond the practical aspects, etiquette is what separates golf from other sports and maintains the unique culture and traditions that make the game special.

The beauty of golf etiquette is that it’s largely based on common sense and consideration for others. If you approach each situation by asking yourself, “What would I want other golfers to do in this situation?” you’ll usually arrive at the correct etiquette choice. However, there are specific guidelines and traditions that every golfer should know, whether you’re playing your first round or your thousandth.

Understanding and following proper golf etiquette will make you a welcome playing partner at any course, from your local municipal track to the most exclusive private clubs. It shows respect for the game, the course, and your fellow golfers. More importantly, it helps ensure that everyone can enjoy their round and that the course remains in good condition for those who follow.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential elements of golf etiquette, from the moment you arrive at the course until you shake hands on the 18th green. These aren’t arbitrary rules designed to make golf stuffy or intimidating – they’re time-tested guidelines that help everyone enjoy the game more fully.

Starting Your Round Right

The first tee sets the tone for your entire round, and proper tee box etiquette establishes you as a considerate golfer from the very beginning. Arriving at your tee time is the foundation of good golf etiquette. Being late doesn’t just affect you – it can throw off the entire day’s schedule for the golf course and create delays that ripple through every group behind you.

Plan to arrive at the course at least 30 minutes before your tee time. This gives you time to check in, warm up, and be ready to play when your time comes. If you’re running late due to circumstances beyond your control, call the pro shop immediately to let them know. Most courses will try to accommodate you if they have advance notice, but showing up 10 minutes late without warning is inconsiderate to everyone involved.

The honor system on the first tee is traditionally determined by handicap, with the lowest handicap player teeing off first. However, many casual groups simply decide among themselves or use a random method like flipping a tee. What matters most is that everyone agrees on the order before anyone hits.

Once the teeing order is established, maintain it throughout the round unless the group decides to play “ready golf” to speed up pace. The player with the lowest score on the previous hole has the honor on the next tee. In case of ties, the player who had the honor on the previous tee retains it.

Silence during others’ shots is perhaps the most fundamental rule of golf etiquette. When someone is preparing to hit or is in their swing, everyone else should be quiet and still. This means no talking, no practice swings, no rattling of clubs or tees, and no movement in the player’s peripheral vision. The concentration required for golf is intense, and even small distractions can significantly affect performance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Position yourself appropriately when others are hitting. Stand where you can see the shot but are not in the player’s line of sight or directly behind them. Generally, this means standing to the side and slightly behind the person hitting. Never stand directly in front of someone who is hitting, even if you’re well out of range – it’s distracting and potentially dangerous.

Be ready to play when it’s your turn. This means having your club selected, your ball teed up, and your pre-shot routine ready to begin as soon as the previous player has finished and moved away from the tee. Waiting until it’s your turn to start thinking about club selection or to begin looking for your ball is a sure way to slow down the group.

Keep your practice swings to a minimum and take them in an appropriate location. One or two practice swings are usually sufficient, and they should be taken to the side of the tee box, not directly behind the ball where they might damage the tee area. Some golfers take so many practice swings that they’re tired before they actually hit the ball.

Keeping the Game Moving

Pace of play is perhaps the most critical aspect of golf etiquette, and it’s where many golfers unknowingly create problems for themselves and others. A round of golf should take approximately four hours for a foursome, though this can vary depending on course conditions, difficulty, and the skill level of the players.

The key to good pace of play is being ready to hit when it’s your turn. This preparation begins while others are playing their shots. Use the time while others are hitting to assess your lie, select your club, determine yardage, and plan your shot. By the time it’s your turn to play, you should be ready to step up and execute.

Walking or riding efficiently between shots is crucial for maintaining pace. If you’re walking, move at a brisk pace between shots. If you’re riding in a cart, follow cart path rules and position the cart so you can quickly access your clubs and continue to the next shot. Don’t drive the cart to one player’s ball, wait for them to hit, then drive to the other player’s ball – this wastes valuable time.

The “ready golf” concept has become increasingly popular as a way to speed up play without sacrificing the traditional honor system. Ready golf means that the player who is ready to hit goes ahead and plays, regardless of who technically has the honor. This is particularly useful on par-3s where everyone is hitting from the same tee, or when one player is significantly delayed in getting ready.

Lost ball procedures can significantly slow down pace of play if not handled properly. The rules allow five minutes to search for a lost ball, but in the interest of pace of play, many golfers limit their search to two or three minutes. If you think your ball might be lost or out of bounds, play a provisional ball to save time. This allows you to continue play without having to return to the tee if your original ball isn’t found.

Be aware of the group behind you and let them play through if you’re holding them up. If the group behind you is consistently waiting for you to clear before they can hit, and there’s a gap between your group and the group ahead of you, it’s courteous to invite the faster group to play through. This is especially important if there’s a significant skill difference between the groups.

When playing through, do so efficiently and courteously. Thank the group that’s letting you through, play quickly, and don’t hold up their play any more than necessary. Once you’ve played through, maintain an appropriate pace so you don’t create the same problem with the next group ahead.

Respecting the Most Delicate Areas

The area around the green requires special attention to etiquette because it’s where the course is most delicate and where small inconsiderations can have the biggest impact on other players’ experiences. The putting green is the most carefully maintained part of any golf course, and it deserves special respect and care.

Never walk across another player’s putting line. The line between a player’s ball and the hole is sacred territory in golf. Walking on this line can leave footprints or create small depressions that can affect the roll of the ball. Always walk around putting lines, even if it means taking a longer route to your ball or the flagstick.

Repairing ball marks is not just good etiquette – it’s essential for course maintenance. When your ball lands on the green, it often creates a small depression called a ball mark. Use a ball mark repair tool or a tee to gently lift the depressed area back to surface level, then smooth it with your putter. A properly repaired ball mark will heal within 24 hours, while an unrepaired mark can take weeks to recover and may leave a permanent scar.

The general rule is to repair your own ball mark plus one other that you find on the green. This helps ensure that the greens remain smooth and true for everyone. Some golfers make it a habit to repair several ball marks on each green, which is greatly appreciated by course maintenance staff and fellow golfers.

Flagstick etiquette has evolved with recent rule changes, but courtesy remains important. Players can now leave the flagstick in while putting, but if someone requests that it be removed, honor that request. When tending the flagstick for another player, hold it firmly to prevent it from rattling in the wind, and remove it promptly once the ball is struck.

When removing the flagstick, place it gently on the green where it won’t interfere with anyone’s line or be in the way of foot traffic. Don’t drop it or throw it, as this can damage the green. Replace the flagstick carefully when everyone has finished putting, ensuring it’s straight and properly seated in the hole.

Be mindful of where you place your golf bag or cart around the green. Keep them off the putting surface and away from the next tee to avoid interfering with other groups. Many courses have designated areas for bags and carts near each green – use these when available.

Being the Golfer Others Want to Play With

Golf etiquette isn’t about being stuffy or overly formal – it’s about being considerate, respectful, and helping everyone enjoy their round. When you follow proper etiquette, you’re contributing to the positive atmosphere that makes golf special and ensuring that the traditions of the game continue for future generations.

The golfers who are most welcome on any course are those who understand that golf is as much about how you conduct yourself as it is about how well you play. You don’t need to be a scratch golfer to be a great playing partner, but you do need to be someone who respects the game, the course, and your fellow players.

Remember that golf etiquette is learned through experience and observation. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about proper protocol in a particular situation. Most golfers are happy to help newcomers learn the ropes, and showing that you care about doing things correctly is always appreciated.

The next time you’re on the course, pay attention to how your actions affect others and how you can contribute to everyone’s enjoyment of the round. Good etiquette becomes second nature with practice, and once it does, you’ll find that you enjoy the game even more because you’re playing it the way it was meant to be played.

Continue Reading

Blog

Happy Gilmore 2: Back on the Tee, But Does It Swing?

Adam Sandler swings back into hilarious chaos with “Happy Gilmore 2,” packed with outrageous comedy, wild cameos, and plenty of nostalgic fun

Avatar photo

Published

on

By

Hey there, golfers and movie buffs! Ty Webb here, back with my impeccable swing and my even better taste in cinema. Today, we’re teeing up “Happy Gilmore 2,” the long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s beloved golf comedy. But is it a hole-in-one, or does it hook hard into the trees?

Right off the tee, it’s clear “Happy Gilmore 2” knows exactly who it’s playing for. Adam Sandler returns as our favorite hockey-player-turned-golfer, now battling middle-aged stiffness, overly enthusiastic influencers, and a golf industry that’s somehow gotten even wilder. Reviews have generally agreed—while the film isn’t exactly Oscar bait, it delivers exactly what fans expect: plenty of laughs, outlandish scenarios, and a nostalgic nod to the original.

ADVERTISEMENT

One of the best parts? The cameos. Oh boy, the cameos. There’s Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), still smug, still hilarious, and still can’t putt to save his life. Then you’ve got appearances from Tiger Woods, Bill Murray (whose comedic timing remains impeccable), and even a surprise drop-in from none other than Bob Barker’s hologram, ready for round two against Happy.

The story itself is as outrageous as you’d hope. Happy gets drawn back into the competitive golf scene by a ridiculous yet irresistible premise: saving his beloved grandma’s retirement home again, now threatened by—you guessed it—a sinister corporate developer played delightfully over-the-top by Will Ferrell. The jokes land like a bucket of range balls, frequent and sometimes wildly off-target, yet somehow, that’s exactly why it works.

Critics agree the film isn’t about nuanced storytelling or thoughtful character development. It’s about watching Happy unleash his signature wind-up drive (still absurdly effective), laughably bad putting technique, and seeing Sandler gleefully poke fun at modern golf culture. Whether he’s navigating influencer-driven golf apparel or battling robotic caddies gone rogue, Happy’s misadventures remain true to his lovable, chaotic spirit.

In short, “Happy Gilmore 2” isn’t trying to win awards. It’s here for laughs, nostalgia, and to remind us that sometimes golf isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. So, grab your popcorn, practice your running swing, and prepare yourself for another ridiculous round with Happy. Just remember, the price is wrong if you don’t have a good time.

Catch you on the fairway (and at the movies), my friends!

Continue Reading

Blog

The Mental Game: How to Stay Calm Under Pressure on the Golf Course

Master the mental side of golf with proven strategies to stay calm under pressure and play your best when it matters most.

Avatar photo

Published

on

Golf is often called a mental game, and for good reason. While physical technique is important, the difference between a good round and a great round often comes down to what happens between your ears. I’ve seen golfers with beautiful swings fall apart under pressure, and I’ve watched players with less-than-perfect technique shoot amazing scores because they had their mental game dialed in.

The mental challenges in golf are unique. Unlike other sports where you react instinctively to changing situations, golf gives you time to think – sometimes too much time. Standing over a shot with water on the left and bunkers on the right, you have plenty of opportunity to imagine all the things that could go wrong. Learning to manage these thoughts and emotions is crucial for consistent performance.

Understanding Golf Pressure

Pressure in golf comes in many forms. There’s the pressure of playing well in front of others, the pressure of a tight match, the pressure of trying to break your personal best score, or simply the pressure of hitting a good shot after several poor ones. The key is recognizing that pressure is normal and learning to work with it rather than against it.

Physical symptoms of pressure include increased heart rate, sweaty palms, tight muscles, and shallow breathing. These are natural responses, but they can interfere with your golf swing if not managed properly. The first step in handling pressure is acknowledging these feelings rather than trying to ignore them.

Developing a Pre-Shot Routine

A consistent pre-shot routine is your best defense against pressure and negative thoughts. This routine should be the same for every shot, whether you’re hitting a driver on the first tee or a crucial putt to win a match. Your routine creates a familiar pattern that helps calm your mind and prepare your body for the shot ahead.

Your pre-shot routine should include both physical and mental elements. Physically, you might take a practice swing, check your alignment, and take a deep breath. Mentally, you should visualize the shot you want to hit and commit fully to that image. The key is making this routine automatic so it works even when you’re nervous.

Visualization is a powerful tool that many golfers underutilize. Before each shot, create a clear mental picture of the ball flying toward your target and landing exactly where you want it. See the trajectory, feel the solid contact, and imagine the positive result. This positive imagery helps crowd out negative thoughts and gives your subconscious mind a clear target to work toward.

ADVERTISEMENT

Course Management Psychology

Smart course management is as much about psychology as it is about strategy. Playing within your abilities and making conservative choices when appropriate can actually boost your confidence and lead to better scores. There’s no shame in laying up short of a water hazard or aiming for the center of the green instead of attacking a tight pin position.

The key is honest self-assessment. Know your strengths and limitations, and plan your shots accordingly. If you’re not comfortable hitting a 3-iron, don’t try to hit one under pressure. If you struggle with draws, don’t attempt one when a fade will work just as well. Playing to your strengths builds confidence and reduces the likelihood of big mistakes.

Risk versus reward decisions should be made with your head, not your ego. Before attempting any risky shot, ask yourself: “What’s the best possible outcome, what’s the worst possible outcome, and what’s most likely to happen?” If the potential downside significantly outweighs the potential benefit, choose the safer option.

Dealing with Bad Shots and Bad Rounds

Every golfer hits bad shots and has bad rounds – it’s part of the game. The difference between good players and great players is often how quickly they recover from mistakes. Dwelling on a bad shot or getting angry about a poor result only makes it more likely that you’ll hit more bad shots.

Develop a short memory for bad shots. Allow yourself to feel disappointed for a few seconds, then let it go and focus on the next shot. Some golfers find it helpful to have a physical routine for releasing frustration, such as taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, or making a practice swing to reset their feel.

Learn from mistakes without dwelling on them. If you hit a shot into the water, quickly analyze what went wrong (poor club selection, bad swing, mental error), make a mental note for future reference, then move on. The lesson is valuable, but continuing to think about it will only hurt your performance on subsequent shots.

Building Confidence

Confidence in golf is built through preparation and positive experiences. The more you practice and the more you understand your capabilities, the more confident you’ll feel on the course. Keep a record of your good shots and good rounds to remind yourself of your abilities when doubt creeps in.

Set realistic, achievable goals for each round. Instead of trying to shoot your career best every time out, focus on process goals like hitting a certain number of fairways or avoiding three-putts. These goals are more within your control and help build confidence through achievement.

Positive self-talk is crucial for maintaining confidence. Replace negative thoughts like “Don’t hit it in the water” with positive ones like “Hit it to the center of the green.” Your subconscious mind responds better to positive instructions than negative warnings.

Staying Present and Focused

One of the biggest mental challenges in golf is staying in the present moment. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself, thinking about what score you might shoot or worrying about difficult holes coming up. It’s equally easy to get stuck in the past, replaying bad shots or dwelling on missed opportunities.

The solution is to focus on one shot at a time. This isn’t just a cliché – it’s a practical mental strategy that keeps you grounded in the present moment. Before each shot, remind yourself that this shot is the only one that matters right now. The shots you’ve already hit are history, and the shots you haven’t hit yet don’t exist.

Breathing exercises can help you stay calm and focused. Before important shots, take a slow, deep breath in through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm your mind and relax your body.

Conclusion: Developing Mental Toughness

Mental toughness in golf isn’t about being emotionless or never feeling pressure. It’s about acknowledging these feelings and having strategies to deal with them effectively. Like physical skills, mental skills improve with practice and attention.

Start incorporating mental training into your practice routine. Spend time visualizing successful shots, practice your pre-shot routine, and work on staying positive even when things don’t go as planned. The mental game might not be as visible as your swing mechanics, but it’s just as important for shooting lower scores and enjoying golf more.

Remember that even the best players in the world struggle with the mental side of golf sometimes. The difference is that they have developed tools and strategies to help them work through these challenges. With practice and patience, you can develop these same mental skills and take your game to the next level.

Continue Reading

Trending

Click here to get all the latest golf news

Close