News Summary
Jon Rahm, the former World No. 1 Spanish golfer, has fallen to No. 52 in the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time since 2017. This decline comes after his move to LIV Golf, a decision impacting his ranking due to the lack of OWGR points awarded in LIV tournaments. Despite his current ranking, DataGolf shows him as No. 4 in the world. Rahm has faced challenges this season, including disappointing results in major tournaments and injuries, but remains optimistic about forming a competitive team for future events.
Jon Rahm’s Unexpected Drop in World Golf Rankings
It’s official! Jon Rahm, the talented Spanish golfer who once basked in the glory of being World No. 1, has fallen out of the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) for the first time since winning the Farmers Insurance Open in 2017. Now, he finds himself sitting comfortably at the No. 52 spot. It’s hard to believe, but it seems like yesterday when he was dominating the greens.
The Rise and Current Challenges
Rahm’s rise to the top of the golf world was meteoric, and he held the coveted World No. 1 position for a staggering 52 weeks after triumphing at the Farmers Insurance Open. However, the tides have turned since his move to LIV Golf, a decision that has contributed to his recent decline. Unlike other professional tournaments, LIV Golf does not provide OWGR points, leaving Rahm a bit in the cold.
If we take a closer look, despite being ranked No. 52 in OWGR, data from DataGolf shows he’s currently No. 4 in the world. This ranking puts him behind Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele, proving that talent runs deep in the sport, yet it highlights the peculiarities of the ranking system.
Major Struggles in the 2024 Season
This season hasn’t been kinder to Rahm, especially when it comes to major tournaments. He had a fairly disappointing run, missing the cut at the PGA Championship and finishing tied for 45th at the Masters. An injury further sidelined him, forcing him to withdraw from the U.S. Open, but he made a comeback by tying for 7th at The Open Championship. Despite the challenges, Rahm still recorded three top-10 finishes on the DP World Tour in the fall and did manage to win twice in the previous LIV season.
Points of Frustration
Rahm has expressed his frustration with the current situation, later acknowledging that he knows he needs to perform better. He has pointed out that he’s been plagued by mistakes that he considers easily avoidable, such as bogeys on par-5 holes. Every golfer experiences slumps, and it’s clear that he’s eager to break out of this one.
Looking Ahead
But Rahm isn’t just sitting back and taking things as they come. He has plans to form a strong, young team for upcoming LIV Golf events, showing that he remains optimistic about the future. His heart is still very much in the game, and he hopes to create a long-lasting, competitive team that can challenge in every event. The commitment to LIV Golf events signifies not just his passion for the game, but also his determination to make an impact.
The OWGR and LIV Golf Dilemma
The ongoing saga surrounding LIV Golf and its recognition by OWGR continues to unfold. Greg Norman, the former CEO of LIV, had previously attempted to secure OWGR points for LIV tournaments but faced rejection. Even though the USGA and the R&A have created exemptions for LIV players, OWGR points remain a distant dream for them, leaving Rahm and his fellow LIV players in a bit of a limbo.
Though Rahm believes that LIV players deserve OWGR points, the consequences of his decision to join LIV are weighing heavily on him. It’s a tough spot to be in when the tournament format you participate in doesn’t offer the recognition you feel you’ve earned through your hard work.
Conclusion
As Jon Rahm navigates through these challenging times, the golfing world is certainly keeping a close eye on his journey. Will he bounce back to reclaim his spot among the world’s elite? Only time will tell! But one thing’s for certain: the passion and dedication he demonstrates for golf will keep him striving for greatness, regardless of rankings.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jon Rahm Drops to 52nd in Golf Rankings After LIV Golf Move
2025 Mexico Open at Vidanta: Golf’s Premier Event
Tyrell Hatton Wins Hero Dubai Desert Classic
LIV Golf Players Gain Pathway to The Open Championship
Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Jon Rahm LIV Golf OWGR
- MSN: Jon Rahm Hits Eight-Year Low
- Irish Star: Jon Rahm World Ranking
- The Mirror: Jon Rahm Hits Lowest Point
- LIV Golf: Rick Shiels Takes on Rahm and Koepka
- Wikipedia: Official World Golf Ranking
- Google Search: Jon Rahm Golf
- Google Scholar: Jon Rahm Golf Ranking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jon Rahm
- Google News: Jon Rahm
