PGA Championship Power Rankings: Top ten at Quail Hollow
Jon Rahm has taken the PGA TOUR by storm in his first full season, no doubt about it. After bursting on the scene in 2016 as the low amateur at the U.S. Open, he’s made the most of his first year as a professional. Rahm has ten top-25 finishes on the PGA TOUR, as well as two worldwide wins, January’s Farmers Insurance Open, and the European Tour’s Irish Open in July.
As good as the Arizona State alum has been, though, you have to remember, he’s 22 years old and still lacks experience on these major championship stages. He finished 27th at the Masters with a weekend of 73-75, missed the cut at the U.S. Open (76-73) and never truly contended at the Open, shooting 74 on Friday at Royal Birkdale.
Of course, that’s part of what makes Jon Rahm so entertaining to watch. His fiery temper can sometimes flare out of control, but when he can keep it in check, channel it to his benefit, there are few players better than him.
In his young major career, Rahm hasn’t quite figured out how to make it all come together for four days. You’ll notice a trend in these rankings, though, that Rahm fits almost to a T. He’s a powerful driver, who won’t be outdone by Quail Hollow’s raw length. He’s also a steady putter, ranked 59th in strokes gained putting, and 12th in adjusted scoring.
Can Rahm keep it together for four rounds in his Quail Hollow debut? I believe he can, but whatever happens, he’ll be one to watch as long as he’s in play.