Reflecting on his journey to this victory, Rahm shares how becoming a father to his son, Kepa, born in April 2021, triggered a transformation in his mentality. He credits his new perspective on the golf course to his newfound role as a dad, acknowledging that his previous behavior on the course was something he did not want his son to emulate.
Rahm acknowledges the challenges of becoming a major champion, learning through his career that he doesn’t have to play his best on every single hole, but rather remain calm, patient, and accept the outcomes of his shots. It was this mindset that kept him composed throughout the tournament and enabled him to seize the victory when it mattered most.
Embracing fatherhood, Rahm states that it has helped him to keep his competitive edge while maintaining a calm demeanor even when faced with setbacks. He was focused and resilient, a shift in behavior he believes was largely influenced by his son.
In an emotional reflection, Rahm shares how he always believed his first major would be witnessed by his parents. His dream came true as he triumphed in the U.S. Open with his parents, wife, son, and in-laws all present to celebrate the achievement. This victory also saw him regain his place as the world number one, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Echoing the sentiments of the golf world, legends like Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus took to social media to congratulate Rahm on his outstanding performance. As Mickelson put it, “Jon Rahm’s putts on 17 and 18. Amazing.” Indeed, Jon Rahm’s victory at the U.S. Open 2021 was nothing short of amazing.