NASSAU, Bahamas – Jon Rahm broke into tears when he beat Tiger Woods in a singles match at the Ryder Cup three months ago in France, the most meaningful moment of his golf career.
Sunday in the Bahamas wasn’t bad either. Tournament host Woods handed Rahm the trophy after the 24-year-old Spaniard turned a potential shootout into a runaway victory on the back nine at Albany Golf Club to end his year by winning the Hero World Challenge.
Rahm has three victories worldwide in each of his first two full years as a professional.
“I hope I keep winning three times every year,” Rahm said. “Still wouldn’t get to what Tiger’s done in 20 years, but it would be pretty impressive.”
After starting the final round in a three-way tie with Tony Finau and Henrik Stenson, Rahm took the lead for good on the eighth hole and never trailed again. Rahm’s final challenger was Finau – until the 29-year-old American made a double bogey on the par-4 14th hole as Rahm made a birdie for a five-shot lead.