2022 Waste Management Phoenix Open: Top 10 power rankings
Jon Rahm is a popular player wherever he goes these days. Outside of his native Spain, Rahm might not be more beloved than near his old college stomping grounds.
The former Arizona State Sun Devil had an illustrious amateur career in Tempe and burst onto the scene by taking T-5th at the 2015 Waste Management Phoenix Open as an amateur on a sponsor exemption.
That was the first of Rahm’s six straight top-20s at this event coming into the week.
The 27-year-old’s resume at TPC Scottsdale reads: T-5th (70-68-66-68), T-16th (70-69-65-70), T-11th (67-68-65-72), T-10th (67-68-70-69), T9th (67-68-68-70) and T–13th (68-69-66-68).
“Well, first of all, it’s a home event. Get to sleep in my own bed, so it’s nice,” Rahm was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2021. “The traveling is not too much, especially coming from San Diego. A lot of good memories. Obviously my first cut made on the PGA TOUR was here. Had a great finish as an amateur, and the whole Sun Devil vibe and just the familiarity with everything, I love the event, love the fans.”
Last year, Rahmbo was only six shots off the winning total despite finishing outside the top 10. He ranked fourth in the field in strokes gained approach (5.424) and fourth in SG tee to green (7.13). Rahm made no double bogeys or worse all week and only found one bunker, from which he got up and down.
He comes to the desert this week thirsty for a win. Rahm’s maintained his No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings despite no trophies since his 2021 U.S. Open win.
Since his major championship breakthrough in June, Rahm’s piled up seven top-10s in 11 starts.
That includes most recently at the Farmers Insurance Open where he nearly won for the third time at Torrey Pines but settled for T-3rd. Rahm was also solo second at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
He’s knocking on the door. This could be the week Rahm busts it open.