FedEx Cup rankings through Zurich Classic: May 3, 2017
4: Jon Rahm
11 events – 1361 points, 1 win, 5 top 10’s (avg. points/event – 123.727)
Last start: T27, Masters Tournament (33 FedEx Cup points)
The 22-year-old Spaniard is having an incredible PGA Tour rookie campaign. Currently fourth in the FedEx Cup rankings, he hasn’t let up even a little bit since his breakthrough victory at the Farmers Insurance Open back in January.
Rahm put together a streak of four top-tens leading into the Masters Tournament, highlighted by a second-place finish at the WGC Dell Match Play in March. There, he looked nearly unbeatable, and the only thing standing in his way was a buzzsaw by the name of Dustin Johnson. You might have heard how good that guy’s year has been, too.
Rahm was even a strong favorite in the Masters, despite it being his first crack at Augusta National. He finished tied for 27th place there, watching countryman Sergio Garcia bring home his first green jacket. Of course, Sergio’s triumph was one that validated his already impressive career. Rahm is just getting started.
That experience factor could come into play this summer, especially if Rahm finds himself contending late in a U.S. Open or the Open Championship. How he responds in those situations will determine how far he can take this rookie run.
Next: 3: Hideki Matsuyama