Jon Rahm admits Tiger Woods celebration was ‘the biggest overreaction’
Jon Rahm, the standout golfer now representing LIV Golf, has offered a reflective and candid take on one of his most memorable moments in the sport. Rahm recently admitted that his highly animated celebration after defeating Tiger Woods during the 2018 Ryder Cup might have been “the biggest overreaction to a four-footer I’ve ever seen.” This admission comes as Rahm prepares to represent Spain in the upcoming Paris Olympics, an event set to take place at Le Golf National—a venue that holds significant personal history for him.
Le Golf National, a celebrated course just outside Paris, is where Rahm made a notable impact during his Ryder Cup debut in 2018. At this event, Rahm played a crucial role in Team Europe’s victory over the USA, contributing to a decisive margin of 7.5 points despite being one of the youngest participants. The 2018 Ryder Cup remains a standout event in Rahm’s career, marked by his emotional and exuberant celebration after securing a win against Tiger Woods.
During the 2018 Ryder Cup, Rahm faced Woods on the final day of competition. After a tense battle, Rahm sank a crucial four-foot putt on the 17th hole, sealing his victory. The moment was significant not only because it was his first Ryder Cup point but also due to the high-profile nature of his opponent, Woods, who was a formidable and iconic figure in golf. Rahm’s reaction to the putt was intense and memorable, characterized by a torrent of emotions and jubilant celebration. Reflecting on this moment, Rahm described it as “the biggest overreaction to a four-footer” he had ever seen but also acknowledged that his emotions were genuine and reflective of the high stakes and personal significance of the moment.
Despite a challenging week where he struggled in his initial matches, Rahm’s resilience shone through as he clinched his first Ryder Cup point against Woods. His performance during the Ryder Cup included a notable reliance on his teammates, including Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, who played crucial roles in earlier matches. Rahm lost his first match on the 18th hole with Rose and was later defeated by the strong duo of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas alongside Poulter. However, his victory against Woods on the final day was a standout achievement, making the event a high point in his career.
As Rahm gears up for the Paris Olympics, where golf will be played at Le Golf National from August 1-4, he is filled with both anticipation and uncertainty. The Olympic golf event provides another prestigious platform for Rahm, who has already enjoyed a stellar career marked by significant achievements, including two major championships and multiple PGA Tour titles. However, Rahm admits he is unsure of how winning an Olympic gold medal would impact him personally.
In discussing his expectations for the Olympics, Rahm acknowledged the complexity of gauging personal fulfillment from accomplishments. He reflected on past achievements and how they sometimes did not meet his anticipated impact, adding that if he were to secure a win at the Olympics, he would be able to offer a clearer perspective on its significance. Rahm’s candid approach highlights the unpredictability of personal satisfaction and the unique nature of each significant milestone in a professional athlete’s career.
As Rahm continues to establish himself in the sport, his move to LIV Golf has generated considerable attention, though he has yet to secure a victory on this new circuit. With the summer Olympics approaching, golf fans worldwide will be closely watching the men’s golf event, scheduled from August 1-4, and the women’s event, from August 7-10. Rahm’s performance in Paris will be a focal point for many, adding another chapter to his already impressive career and possibly bringing new dimensions to his golfing legacy.
