At 25, Jon Rahm is the new world No. 1, after winning Sunday at the Memorial Tournament. Ram becomes the first Spanish player to top the world rankings since 1989 after Seve Ballesteros.

PGA Tour: Jon Rahm becomes new world number 1

© PGA Tour

 » I find it hard to realize what's happening to me, the idea that it brings me closer to Seve is amazing  Said Ram, two of whose family members have disappeared following the Covid-19 pandemic, evoking the immense emotions that overwhelmed him. "There are so many things in my head right now that have nothing to do with golf", he added.

Rahm won at the end of the last lap on a total of 279, (-9), ahead of the American Ryan Palmer by 3 strokes. Triple winner on the European Tour last year, Rahm signed his 4th title on the PGA tour this Sunday.

This test of the American circuit is endowed with 9,3 million dollars played behind closed doors in Dublin (Ohio). This success allowed Rahm to pocket a bonus of 1,465 million euros, dethroning in the process the Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy who had to settle for 32nd place in this event.

 

After the first 9 holes of the last lap, Rahm led by eight strokes before committing three bogeys and a double-bogey, seeing his opponent Palmer come back dangerously on him. But a remarkable chip on the 16th hole allowed him to birdie and keep the advantage.

“Luckily I did the best chip I could hope for. It was incredible ”, said the Spaniard. "To get that shot in, was exactly what I needed." " But the birdie turned into a bogey, after the golfer received a two-stroke penalty. Television cameras showed in slow motion that his ball had moved when he pushed it onto the grass behind it, although this did not change the surface where the ball lay and Rahm did not couldn't see it himself.

The performance of five-time Memorial winner Tiger Woods was disappointing finishing 40th 15 strokes behind the new No.1. He had not played on the PGA Tour since February due to a stiff back. The 44-year-old American is chasing an 83rd PGA victory that would make him the most successful player in history.

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Memorial Tournament: Tiger Woods back but behind closed doors