Jon Rahm returns to the Genesis Scottish Open this week, marking his first appearance at the event since 2022 and his first PGA Tour-sanctioned start outside of the majors since the 2023 Tour Championship. The Legion XIII captain views the tournament as a critical preparation for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, citing the high-caliber field and the unique demands of links golf as essential tools for his performance.
Why is the Genesis Scottish Open considered vital preparation for The Open?
Rahm describes the current field at The Renaissance Club as “two majors in a row without being a major.” According to the golfer, the tournament provides the exact environment needed to transition into major championship play. Because the event is played on a links layout, it forces players to move away from the high-launch, high-spin style dominant on the PGA Tour. Rahm noted that players must understand trajectory, spin control, and how the ball reacts on firm fairways and greens, skills he says are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Jon Rahm has a history of success on links courses, having secured victories at the Irish Open in both 2017 and 2019.
How does Rahm view his recent performance?
Following a missed cut at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where he finished 6 over in five holes, Rahm took full responsibility for his errors. He specifically cited his second shot on the 14th hole as a tactical mistake rather than a stroke of bad luck. Despite that frustration, Rahm characterized his game as being “in a good place” heading into this two-week stretch. He emphasized the necessity of being “vulnerable enough to admit those mistakes” to maintain long-term progress.
What defines a top-tier links golfer?
According to Rahm, the defining quality of a successful links player is an advanced understanding of ball flight. Unlike standard parkland courses where players focus on maximizing distance and birdie opportunities, links golf demands a strategic approach to wind and bounce. Rahm highlighted that control is the primary variable, noting that a player must master how the ball interacts with the ground upon landing. While he acknowledged his own proficiency in these areas, he maintained that executing these shots consistently remains the ultimate challenge.
Comparison: Links vs. Modern Standard Golf
| Feature | Modern Standard | Links Golf |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | High launch, distance | Spin control, trajectory |
| Fairway Play | Target-focused | Bounce and roll awareness |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Scottish Open a major championship? No, but players like Jon Rahm consider the strength of the field to be equivalent to a major.
- Where is The Open Championship being held? The upcoming Open Championship is scheduled for Royal Birkdale.
- Why does Rahm prefer the Scottish Open over other events? It provides authentic links conditions that are necessary to prepare for the specific challenges of The Open.
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