Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
I WOULD PUT MY MONEY JON HIM
Paul reckons Rahm is a great bet for the Open after win at Lahinch
PAUL MCGINLEY believes Jon Rahm’s Lahinch triumph can be the platform for his first major title win in just 12 days’ time.
The first thing Irish Open host Mcginley did when the golf was over on Sunday evening was take a “big, deep breath” as he reflected on the success of a memorable week in west Clare.
The tournament got a fitting winner in Rahm, the charismatic 24-year-old from Spain who said afterwards that he wants to emulate compatriot Seve Ballesteros by winning the Waterford Crystal trophy for a third time. With Rory Mcilroy (inset) sitting it out because of his desire to have his preparation just right for The Open’s historic Portrush return, Rahm took advantage as the highest-ranked player in the field.
The world No.11 stormed through to win with weekend rounds of 64 and 62.
His scintillating charge made for riveting viewing and, having recently tied for third in the US Open and with 11 top ten finishes to his name this year, Rahm believes he has developed the consistency and maturity to challenge for major titles. That is surely the next step for him, and Mcginley agrees.
“I want an Irish guy to win Portrush, whoever that may be, whether he was playing here or not,” he said, careful not to create any more chatter regarding Mcilroy’s decision. “That’s my first choice. And my second choice would be a player who played in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
“I’ve been saying on TV for the last year or so, of all the young guys coming through in the world – and there’s lots of talent – Jon Rahm is the one who I don’t see having a weakness.
“It’s just about having more experience. He drives the ball long and straight. His iron play, his chipping, his putting, his heart, his ability to win, his ability to find an extra gear on Sunday when he saw the finishing line... he just pulled away from the field.
“So yeah, he’s the guy that I think has got it to be something special.
“Money is obviously not a factor for him anymore. He’s probably made enough money at 24 that he doesn’t have to worry again and he’s very much driven to win titles and major championships. He’s perfectly set up to be prepared and have a good go at winning at Portrush. I don’t think it’s too dissimilar a golf course to here.”
Indeed, Mcginley made it his business to set up Lahinch to mirror Portrush by following the R&A’S guidelines.
Renowned for his attention to detail, the former European Ryder Cup skipper paid particular attention to fairway width, rough length and green firmness.
“Hopefully all the players who played here enjoyed a great week, enjoyed the golf course and also feel really prepared for The Open,” he concluded.