Jon Rahm capped off his inaugural full season on the LIV Golf circuit in spectacular fashion on September 15, 2024, clinching the individual championship at LIV Golf Chicago, held at Bolingbrook Golf Club. With a flawless final round of 66 (-4), free of bogeys, the Basque superstar not only claimed the tournament title but also secured the season-long points lead, pocketing an impressive $18 million bonus. This victory marked his second win in three events—following his triumph at LIV Golf UK in July—and underscored a year of remarkable consistency on the Saudi-backed circuit, where he finished in the top 10 in all 12 regular events he completed.
The Road After Chicago: LIV Golf Team Championship and a Health Setback
Fresh off his individual crowning, Rahm set his sights on the LIV Golf Team Championship, the circuit’s season-ending team event, slated for September 20-22 at Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas. Leading Legion XIII, the second-ranked team in the standings, Rahm was poised to chase collective glory. Fate, however, had other plans. Just days after his Chicago triumph, severe flu-like symptoms forced Rahm to withdraw from the event. Circuit reserve John Catlin stepped in, but Legion XIII couldn’t secure the title, which went to Crushers GC. Despite this setback, Rahm’s absence only heightened anticipation for his next moves.
A Triumphant Return to the DP World Tour: Open de España’s Epic Showdown
With his LIV commitments wrapped up, Rahm turned his focus to the DP World Tour to fulfill the minimum four-tournament requirement for Ryder Cup 2025 eligibility at Bethpage Black. His first stop was a homecoming at the Acciona Open de España, held September 26-29 at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. For Rahm, this event carried deep significance—a chance to shine on Spanish soil and carry forward the legacy of icons like Seve Ballesteros.
Arriving in Madrid in top form, Rahm faced a formidable challenge from fellow Spaniard Ángel Hidalgo. After 72 holes, the pair finished deadlocked at -17, forcing a playoff. In a gripping finish, Hidalgo prevailed on the second extra hole with a masterful approach that left his ball inches from the cup, while Rahm couldn’t match the birdie. Though he settled for second, Rahm dazzled with rounds of 67, 68, 66, and 66, showcasing his elite skillset and reaffirming his dedication to Spanish golf. “I’d have loved to win at home, but Ángel played brilliantly and earned it,” Rahm graciously remarked post-tournament.
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: A Scottish Masterclass
A week later, from October 3-6, Rahm teed it up at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, a prestigious event blending three iconic layouts—St Andrews Old Course, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns—with a pro-am format. Buoyed by his Spanish showing, Rahm took on a star-studded field with gusto. His performance was nothing short of brilliant: rounds of 65, 71, 65, and 69 yielded a -18 total, landing him a tie for seventh, six strokes behind winner Tyrrell Hatton (-24). Navigating windy conditions with poise and precision on Scotland’s hallowed greens, Rahm offered yet another reminder of his world-class talent, even if the trophy eluded him.
Andalucía Masters: Steady Excellence at Valderrama
On October 17-20, Rahm tackled the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters at Real Club Valderrama, a course renowned for its strategic demands. Once again, the Basque star delivered a competitive showing, finishing tied for sixth at -4 (68-70-68-71), six shots off Julien Guerrier’s winning -10. With just three bogeys across four days, Rahm’s consistency shone through, though he couldn’t summon the extra spark needed to conquer Valderrama’s unforgiving layout.
A Well-Earned Break
Following the Andalucía Masters, Rahm chose to step away from the DP World Tour for the remainder of 2024, opting not to compete in the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai (November 14-17), a tournament he’d previously won in 2017 and 2019. This decision likely reflected a need to recharge after a whirlwind year that blended LIV Golf dominance with European commitments.