2021 Open Championship: Top 10 power rankings at Royal St. George’s

Don’t let the fact that Jon Rahm dropped from No. 1 in the world rankings to No. 2 fool you. He’s still playing the best golf of anyone lately.

We all remember how well the Spaniard performed at the Memorial Tournament before a positive COVID-19 test kept him from protecting his six-shot, 54-hole lead.

That could have led to a tailspin. Instead, Rahm reflected and moved on.

The next time he teed it up, Rahm broke through for his major win at the U.S. Open. A thrilling birdie at 18 made the moment all the more special.

Wisely, he rested up until getting some links reps last week at the Scottish Open.

Even without his best stuff, Rahm managed solo seventh place against a solid field at The Renaissance Club. One stroke better, and the No. 1 spot would’ve still been his.

Nonetheless, he can take back the crown with more good golf this week.

Rahm’s major championship resume has always had high finishes, though it was rare that he had a chance to win late on Sunday. That doubt is erased and more high finishes, and wins, should be incoming.

Overall, the 26-year-old has made 16 of 20 cuts in the majors with eight top-10s. At the Open Championship, Rahm is 3-for-4 with a T-11th in 2019.

In the 2020-21 PGA Tour season, Rahm’s 11 top-10s is three more than any player. His 69.602 scoring average and 2.028 total strokes gained are also the best.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil has made four cuts in a row and has missed just one since June 2020.