Jon Rahm Plays J.J. Watt In Match Alongside Tom Kim And Michael Phelps

Rahm managed to defeat Watt despite giving him 36 shots at TPC Scottsdale, venue to the Waste Management Phoenix Open

Rahm watches his iron shot and poses with JJ Watt, Tom Kim and Michael Phelps
(Image credit: Twitter: @JonRahmpga/Getty Images)

The Pebble Beach Pro-Am may feature a number of huge stars from the world of sport and entertainment, but it was TPC Scottsdale where a quartet of huge names was convening, with Jon Rahm, J.J. Watt, Tom Kim and Michael Phelps playing a round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

Rahm, who is arguably the best player in the world right now after four worldwide wins in just seven starts, was joined by one of the greatest defensive linemen of all time in Watt, who actually took Rahm on in a match where he got 36 shots from the World No.3.  

In the match, it was Rahm who came out on top, with the Spaniard posting a photo of the scorecard and a picture of all four sports stars on the iconic 16th hole at the Stadium Course.

On the post, Rahm wrote: "Match #1 - JJ 0 Rahmbo 1 - I only had to give him 36 shots from the tips at TPC Scottsdale and he was not happy once he saw he would’ve won stroke play. One of the best rounds I have seen him play, love seeing his progress. Ready for Match #2 but only giving him 34 shots. Vamos! Enjoyed having Michael Phelps and Tom Kim join as honorary observers."

Certainly, as four balls go this one is pretty special, as Watt responded via his Twitter, stating: "The only thing we need to focus on here is that I parred the #1 hardest hole on the course & I kept the margin of victory under 36 shots. You also forgot to mention that we were playing Championship Tees (7,261 Yards) and Championship Green Speeds (aka concrete). What a day."

Rahm hits a tee shot on the 18th hole at the Phoenix Open

Rahm's worst result in seven starts at the Waste Management Phoenix Open is T16

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Watt is a huge golf fan and, in 2017, played Erin Hills on the Monday after the US Open. Playing off around a 21 handicap, the American has also been involved with The Match, hosting the Press Conference back in June 2022 between Josh Allen, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.

Putting in a superb effort against Rahm, it is worth noting that, if the Spaniard had put in score cards to get an official handicap, it would come out at around +13! With the form he is in, it is no surprise that he is the favourite in Phoenix at an event he has finished inside the top 10 multiple times.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

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