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

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.
Jon Rahm in college.pic.twitter.com/7SHZDzX9gA— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) June 21, 2021
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.

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.
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Stop Wasting Strokes: 5 Simple Drills to Kill the Dreaded 3-Putt
Tired of ruining a great hole with the dreaded 3-putt? These 5 simple drills fix your speed, conquer pressure, and turn three putts into two.
There is no feeling in golf quite as demoralizing as the 3-putt.
You smash a perfect drive. You hit a pure iron shot that lands safely on the green. You’re feeling like a pro, walking up to your ball with a birdie on your mind.
Then, disaster strikes. You blaze the first putt eight feet past the hole. Your comebacker for par is a nervous, jabby stroke that lips out. You tap in for a bogey, walking off the green with that all-too-familiar feeling of frustration, your good shots completely wasted.
The 3-putt is the great scorecard killer. It’s the difference between breaking 90 and shooting 95. The good news? It’s almost always the easiest problem to fix. It’s not about buying a $500 putter; it’s about controlling your speed and handling pressure.
Here are 5 simple, time-tested drills to kill the 3-putt and make you a confident force on the greens.
Why You 3-Putt (It’s Not What You Think)
Most amateurs 3-putt for two simple reasons, and neither has to do with a “bad stroke”:
- Poor Lag Putting: You leave your first putt so far from the hole that the second putt is still a challenge.
- Missed “Knee-Knockers”: You can’t consistently sink putts inside 3-5 feet.
These five drills are designed to fix both of those problems, starting today.
5 Drills to Become a 2-Putt Machine
Find a practice green and spend 20 minutes on these. You’ll see results in your very next round.
1. The Ladder Drill (For Lag Control)
This is the ultimate drill for dialing in your speed control.
- How to do it: Place three balls at 20, 30, and 40 feet from a hole (or use tees if you’re just practicing speed).
- The Goal: Hit the 20-foot putt, then the 30-foot, then the 40-foot. Your only goal is to get all three putts to stop within a 3-foot radius of the hole (imagine a hula-hoop around the cup).
- Why it works: It trains your brain to instinctively understand how hard to hit a putt based on distance. You’ll stop blazing putts 10 feet by or leaving them 10 feet short.
2. The Clock Drill (For Short Putt Pressure)
You must be automatic from three feet. This drill adds the pressure you feel on the course.
- How to do it: Place 12 balls in a 3-foot circle around the hole (like the numbers on a clock).
- The Goal: Go around the clock and make all 12 putts in a row. If you miss one, you must start over from the beginning.
- Why it works: It’s not just about mechanics; it’s about focus. When you get to ball #10, you will feel the pressure. This simulates the feeling of having to make a putt for par.
3. The Gate Drill (For a Pure Roll)
Missed short putts are often caused by a poor starting line. This drill gives you instant feedback.
- How to do it: Find a straight, 5-foot putt. Place two tees on the ground just wide enough for your putter head to pass through. About a foot in front of your ball, place two more tees just slightly wider than the ball itself.
- The Goal: Stroke the putter through the first “gate” and roll the ball through the second “gate.”
- Why it works: If you hit the ball off-center or have a wobbly stroke, the ball will hit the second gate. It forces you to hit the sweet spot and start the ball exactly where you’re aiming.
4. The 100-Footer (The “No 3-Putt” Zone)
This drill is simple: go to one end of the practice green and putt to a hole on the opposite end. Your goal is not to make it, but to get it inside that imaginary 3-foot circle. Do this 10 times. This makes 30 and 40-footers on the course feel like tap-ins by comparison.
5. The “Read, Roll, and React” Drill
Stop agonizing over every putt. This drill teaches you to trust your first instinct.
- How to do it: Take three balls to a 25-foot breaking putt.
- The Goal: You have 20 seconds total. In that time, you must read the green, take one practice stroke, and hit all three putts.
- Why it works: It stops “paralysis by analysis.” It trains you to pick a line, trust your speed, and accept the result. You’ll be amazed at how much better your instincts are than your over-analytical brain.
It’s About Process, Not Perfection
You’re still going to 3-putt occasionally. Even the pros do. But by practicing these drills, you’ll be building confidence and skill. You’ll stop fearing long putts and start knowing you can get them close. That confidence is the real secret to finally killing the 3-putt for good.
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Stop Trying So Hard: A Zen Guide to Golf That’ll Have You Saying ‘Gunga Galunga’
Tired of your scorecard looking like a phone number? Maybe the problem isn’t your swing, it’s that little voice in your head. It’s time to empty the bucket, stop overthinking, and learn how to ‘be the ball.’ It’s a lot simpler than you think, and the results are… well, they’re nice.
I see a lot of you out there. Knuckles white, teeth grinding, a vein popping in your forehead because you left a ten-foot putt an inch short. You look like you’re trying to solve a complex math problem, not hit a little white ball into a slightly larger hole. You’re trying so hard, you can’t even see what you’re doing.
A long time ago, the Dalai Lama himself, a big hitter, told me something that’s stuck with me. “Total consciousness.” So I got that goin’ for me, which is nice. But what does that mean for you, standing over a 4-iron with water on the right and nothing but trouble on the left?
It means you have to stop thinking.
That little voice in your head? The one reminding you about your slice, or that you duffed the last chip, or that Judge Smails is watching from the clubhouse patio? You need to tell that voice to take a little vacation. Send it to the 19th hole for a Fresca. Your brain is a powerful tool, but on the golf course, it’s usually on the other team’s payroll.
The secret is simple. You have to be the ball.
Now, don’t take it literally. You don’t need to become a dimpled sphere of Surlyn. That’s a whole other level of Zen, and honestly, the lawnmowers are a real hazard. To “be the ball” is to see the shot before it happens. It’s a feeling. You look at the target, you see the flight of the ball in your mind-a nice, gentle draw landing softly on the green-and then you just… let it happen.
Think of it like this: you are the ball, the club is just an extension of your arm, and your arm is just a noodle doing what the universe tells it to do. See it, feel it, and then let your body take over. Nanananana…
The more you force it, the worse it gets. It’s like trying to hold water in your fist. You squeeze with all your might, and it just slips through your fingers. But if you relax, cup your hands gently, you can hold it. Your golf swing is the same. Loosen that death grip, relax your shoulders, and just let the club flow.
Golf isn’t a game of perfect. It’s a game of managing the imperfect. It’s about finding that one pure shot in a round that makes you feel connected to everything. That’s the feeling that brings you back. So next time you’re out there, take a deep breath. Look at the trees, listen to the birds, and remember that you’re just a blip in the cosmos hitting a ball with a stick.
Empty the bucket. Stop trying. And just be the ball. You’ll be surprised at what happens when you get out of your own way.
If this little nugget of wisdom helps you find your flow, do me a favor and share it with a friend who’s stuck in their head. The world needs less thinking and more ‘nanananana’. And for more insights from the links, follow us on social media. It’s the Zen thing to do.
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Legendary Golf Coaches and Their Signature Teaching Techniques
A Deep Dive into the Art of Golf Coaching. There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf.
There are few sports as mentally challenging and technically nuanced as golf. The game demands a unique blend of physical precision, mental resilience, and strategic insight. As such, the role of a golf coach extends far beyond mere swing mechanics and course management. They also play a crucial part in shaping the mindset and overall approach of the player. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the profound impact that legendary golf coaches have had on the sport, highlighting their signature teaching styles that have produced world-class golfers and changed the face of golf across generations.

Butch Harmon: The Guru of Simplification
Butch Harmon is a name that resonates with any serious golf enthusiast. Known for his work with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Greg Norman, Harmon’s coaching style is characterized by its simplicity. He focuses on making the swing as effortless as possible, keeping technical jargon to a minimum and emphasizing feel and natural movement. His approach has proven successful, with his students winning numerous major championships.

David Leadbetter: The Technician
David Leadbetter, renowned for his work with Nick Faldo, is often considered a technician in golf coaching. He pays great attention to minute details of the swing, believing that consistency and efficiency come from mastering the fundamentals. Leadbetter introduced the “A Swing,” a technique designed to simplify the golf swing while increasing efficiency and reducing strain on the body.

Hank Haney: The Strategist
Best known for his six-year coaching tenure with Tiger Woods, Hank Haney is a strategist at heart. Haney emphasizes the importance of course management and strategic decision-making, helping players choose the best shot for any given situation. His teaching style aims to help players understand their strengths and weaknesses, thereby maximizing scoring opportunities on the course.

Sean Foley: The Modernist
Sean Foley represents a new wave of golf coaching, blending traditional golf instruction with modern technology. Notably, he uses advanced tools like 3D motion analysis and Trackman to provide detailed feedback on swing mechanics. Foley, who has worked with players like Justin Rose and Tiger Woods, believes in a holistic approach, incorporating physical fitness and mental preparation into his coaching regimen.
Pete Cowen: The Philosopher
Pete Cowen, known for his work with major winners like Brooks Koepka and Graeme McDowell, approaches golf coaching from a philosophical perspective. Cowen’s teaching style emphasizes the importance of mental strength, discipline, and a strong work ethic. He believes in building a solid foundation, focusing on short game and wedge play, and then working up to full swings.
Legendary golf coaches like Butch Harmon, David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Sean Foley, and Pete Cowen have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their unique teaching styles, whether it be simplification, technical precision, strategic insight, technological innovation, or philosophical approach, have helped shape the careers of many world-class golfers. Aspiring golfers and coaches can learn a great deal from their methodologies, applying these lessons to improve their own game or coaching style. After all, golf is not just about the swing; it’s about the approach, both on and off the course.
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