Three years have passed since Jon Rahm claimed a major victory, most recently at the 2023 Masters when Scottie Scheffler secured the green jacket for him at Augusta National.
Rahm’s major wins include the 2021 U.S. Open, with notable runner-up finishes at the PGA Championship (2026) and The Open Championship (2023). Despite acknowledging the challenge of winning another major, Rahm remains optimistic during his pre-tournament press conference in Southport, England.
“It’s incredibly tough,” Rahm remarked. “As an athlete, you must maintain belief in yourself and trust that positive outcomes are inevitable—feeling good is key,” he added, expressing excitement to compete at Royal Birkdale.
The course, last hosting The Open in 2017 when Jordan Spieth dominated with a 12-under score, has undergone significant changes. However, the persistent challenge of wind remains a critical factor influencing play.
“This venue is historically demanding,” Rahm noted. “The weather this week is highly unusual, promising a dynamic matchup of styles—expect 6-irons from tees, drivers, and long irons into par-4s. It should be an engaging event,” he stated.
With one day left to prepare, Rahm will tee off Thursday at 5:09 a.m. alongside Jordan Spieth and Tommy Fleetwood. His focus will be on green speeds, pin placements, and how wind affects the flag’s movement.
Rahm, a former World No. 1, now competes in LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. When asked about expanding majors internationally, he remarked, “I’m not familiar with the logistics. It would be fascinating to see a major established in new regions, aligning with golf’s global nature.”
