Jon Rahm reveals why he didn’t actually want Tyrrell Hatton to miss his putt on 18 at LIV UK today

Jon Rahm, the Spanish golfer renowned for his prowess on the course, emerged victorious at the LIV UK event held at the JCB Golf and Country Club this past weekend. Despite his triumph, Rahm has expressed a sense of regret regarding how the final moments of the tournament unfolded, particularly concerning his opponent Tyrrell Hatton.

 

In a gripping conclusion to the event, Rahm secured his win with a final round score of four under par. This solid performance allowed him to edge out Hatton by a mere single stroke. The decisive moment came when Hatton, who was competing in front of his home crowd, missed a crucial short putt on the 18th hole. This missed opportunity was a bitter pill for Hatton, who had hoped to deliver a memorable finish in his native UK.

 

For Hatton, the defeat was particularly painful. He was candid about his disappointment, acknowledging that while the overall success of the Legion XIII team, of which he is a part, was significant, it did little to ease the sting of his personal loss. The team’s victory was overshadowed by Hatton’s personal struggle to close out the tournament on a high note in his home country.

 

On the other hand, Rahm’s victory marked his first individual win of 2024 and was a significant emotional milestone for him. Following the win, Rahm was visibly moved, a testament to the high stakes and personal significance of the match. Despite his joy, Rahm demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship and empathy towards Hatton’s situation.

 

Speaking after the tournament, Rahm reflected on the match with a mixture of pride and regret. According to quotes provided by The Athletic, Rahm admitted that in an ideal scenario, he would have preferred to decide the outcome in a playoff rather than by Hatton’s unfortunate missed putt. “I’ve got to give Tyrrell a lot of credit. He’s a fantastic player, and you never want to see it end like that. I almost wish we would have got it done in a playoff. It’s just emotional,” Rahm said. This statement highlighted Rahm’s respect for Hatton’s skill and his desire for a fair and competitive conclusion to their head-to-head.

 

Looking ahead, Rahm expressed optimism about the future, particularly regarding his performance in the upcoming Olympics. He noted that securing the win in the LIV UK event would provide him with an added boost of confidence as he prepares for the Olympic Games. “I think that walk down 18 or down the back nine would have been a little bit harder had I not gotten a win, but getting over the hump and getting it done I think is going to give me a little extra confidence if I put myself in a good position on Sunday. I’m really looking forward to the week. It’s going to be fantastic, and hopefully one of us can leave with the (Olympic) gold,” Rahm remarked.

 

Rahm’s victory comes amidst a year that has been relatively subdued for the golfer, with his performances in the major tournaments falling short of expectations. Additionally, he faced some criticism and a bit of a meltdown with UK fans earlier in the week, adding to the complexities of his season. However, Rahm hopes that this recent success will serve as a catalyst for a more fruitful second half of the year.

 

In terms of team standings, the Legion XIII squad, despite Hatton’s personal setback, has seen an uplift. They now occupy the second position in the season rankings, trailing closely behind Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers. This team success, combined with Rahm’s individual victory, positions them as strong contenders as the season progresses.

 

Overall, while Rahm’s win at the LIV UK event was a significant achievement, it was tempered by his sympathy for Hatton and his aspirations for future success, both individually and as part of his team.