Jon Rahm Congratulates LIV Golf Winner Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra
After claiming his third Open de España, Rahm congratulated Chacarra, who secured his first professional victory just 12 hours prior
On Sunday, Jon Rahm carded one of the rounds of his life, at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, as a final round 62 gave him a third Open de España title to match the record of fellow compatriot and golf legend Seve Ballesteros.
For Rahm, however, he wasn't the only Spanish winner over the weekend. Just 12 hours earlier, Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra secured his first professional title in his fifth start. What was surprising was, in his victory speech, Rahm congratulated his fellow countryman despite the fact that Chacarra secured his win in a LIV Golf event.
Here is Jon Rahm congratulating Eugenio Chacarra for his victory: "Although some people want to make us look at them ( Liv) as the enemy, he is just a 22 years old guy winning against some of the best players of the world. Contraulations if you see this Eugenio." pic.twitter.com/PfpfDKGUJtOctober 9, 2022
Speaking in his native Spanish after the six-shot victory, the former World No.1 said: "Although some people want to make us look at them (LIV) as the enemy, he is just a 22 year old guy winning against some of the best players of the world. Congratulations if you see this Eugenio."
Just a few days prior, Rahm had also stated that those from LIV Golf should be able to earn a spot in the Ryder Cup, with the 27-year-old explaining that "the Ryder Cup is not the PGA Tour and European Tour against LIV - it's Europe versus the US, period. The best of each against the other, and for me the Ryder Cup is above all. I wish they could play but it doesn't look good."
Amongst all of this, it is worth noting that the former World No.1 has previously continued his support for the PGA and DP World Tours, with Rahm stating that the "format (of LIV Golf) is not really appealing to me," adding "shotgun (starts) three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple. I want to play against the best in the world in a format that’s been going on for hundreds of years. That’s what I want to see."
Earlier in the day, Chacarra picked up the $4 million first prize, as well as the $750,000 team prize at the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok, just four months after giving up his amateur status and signing a three-year contract with the Saudi-backed series.
Following rounds of 65 and 63, the Spaniard led the field by five shots at 16-under-par, with a final three-under-par round giving him a three shot victory in just his fifth professional start.
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Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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