Jon Rahm: The Irish welcome, the wild weather and Ryder Cup hopes

Even as the wind and rain threaten to make the Irish Open at Doonbeg a stern test, Rahm feels at home in Ireland

Jon Rahm in a two-time winner of the Irish Open, triumphing at Portstewart in 2017 and Lahinch in 2019. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Typically, a sports report that dwells on the weather is sure to be accused of using an easy crutch, but it is unavoidable when it will be a central character at Trump International Doonbeg during the Amgen Irish Open. Just ask two-time major winner Jon Rahm.

The Spaniard arrived in the media centre on Tuesday having been unable to complete a round on his first day at the course. Above his head, the wind howled against the canvas roof. Even so, he is content here.

Rahm is a two-time Irish Open winner, having triumphed in 2017 at Portstewart and in 2019 up the road in Lahinch. It leaves him comfortable with the surroundings.

“I tried to play as many holes as I could yesterday, but I got rained out twice,” he said with a laugh.

“I've seen 1, 2 and 3. But from what I hear, it is a fantastic design. It's in great shape. Unfortunately, we got a little unlucky with the situation on the 10th, but beside that, it's in perfect shape. What I've seen so far from the forecast, like all links courses, it's all going to be up to the weather and the wind, right? If the wind is like this all week, it is going to be a very tough week. If it dies down, then you could look at the scoring.” 

That leaves a cohort of spectators hoping the Atlantic gusts stays strong, to avoid the prospect of a putting contest. The situation on the 10th that he referenced is an alleged act of vandalism after chemicals were suspected to have been used to damage a green last month.

For his part, Rahm was keen to avoid any controversy. Questions linger over his future with LIV Golf as the Saudi-backed league scrambles to secure its future. There have been several reports that he is willing to walk away.

“No updates since (the last tournament in) Indianapolis,” he replied when asked about his plans for the coming year.

Just hoping for a warm welcome, then.

“I think I touched on it earlier, the hospitality I feel when I come to Ireland. I don't know if it's everybody or it's just me; I really feel like everybody's always so friendly and so willing to help and in such a good mood all the time, honestly. It is truly a joy to be out here.

“I think that their understanding of golf is very special. As a professional golfer, when you come and you feel that appreciated, it is really special. It is unique. I don't know why, but Ireland's always a very special place to me in my heart. And as golf destinations go, if anybody ever asks me, I always say, 'if you can go to Ireland for 10 days, very few 10 days are going to be better than that'. Plus or minus weather being better or worse, but besides that, the week in general, the food, the people, the atmosphere, the golf, hard to beat.” 

Lingering over the week is the approaching Ryder Cup in Adare next year. There has been speculation that the Irish Open will move to June next year to accommodate it.

“I wouldn't say it's that much on my mind yet,” said Rahm.

“I understand why, being in Ireland, a lot of people are already looking forward to it, because you have to plan in advance, right? But I hope I'm representing Europe at Adare Manor. I really would love to be there, but there is just so much time that I haven't really given it that much thought yet. A lot of us obviously want to be there and represent Europe.”