Jon Rahm eager to end Spanish drought at the Open Championship
Rahm has had several close calls, with ties for second in 2023, third in 2021 and seventh in 2024. He also finished T11 the last time it was played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in 2019.
'I can't really give you an answer why (it has been so long),' Rahm said on July 15 as he prepares for the start of the 153rd Open on July 17.
'The way Seve played, it's a bit of a different way to play on links courses. I think one of the reasons he was so loved in Britain and Ireland, because I don't think anybody conceived that that was the way to play links golf – just hit driver everywhere and somehow find a way to put it on the green and chip and putt.
'It was not normal, which is a testament to how good of a golfer he was.'
Countrymen Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia made strong runs at The Open Championship. Olazabal twice finished third and Garcia twice finished second.
'I think Sergio and I are obviously more known for being ball strikers,' Rahm said. 'Ollie, besides the driver, everything else was outstanding, one of the best iron players ever.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA
Singapore 2 weeks' jail for man who tried to smuggle over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore
Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report
Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July
Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict
Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources
Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia
Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH
'Incredible golf game, both Ollie and Sergio; it's just never easy to win an Open.'
Rahm, 30, returns to Royal Portrush in top form, having finished in the top 15 at all three Majors so far and coming off a runner-up showing last week at the LIV Golf Andalucia event in his home country.
Rahm played through blustery conditions at Real Club Valderrama and carded a six-under 65 on July 13 to finish one stroke behind winner Talor Gooch.
'We had quite a bit of wind, and that's always going to be a very hopeful week to get ready for (the Open),' Rahm said.
'The other thing Valderrama does, it's challenging. Every golf shot you hit there, it's very little margin of error, so it does prep you mentally to get ready for a challenge that a Major can be. Not to the fullest, but it's challenging enough to where you have to think about it quite a bit. With the wind obviously there's differences, but in those two aspects it helps. '
Rahm has enjoyed success in Ireland, including his first title on the European Tour at the Irish Open in 2017, which he won again in 2019.
'From what I've played in Ireland, I think maybe the designs – or I really don't know how to explain it best, but it just seems they use the contours in different ways,' the two-time major winner said. 'All the courses seem to be in a way where there's a few more dunes.'
Rahm is paired with defending champion Xander Schauffele and reigning US Open champion J.J. Spaun for the first two rounds. REUTERS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
After signing spree, Mikel Arteta still hopes for more Arsenal recruits ahead of new season
SINGAPORE – Having splashed out close to €150 million (S$224 million) on four new signings in the summer transfer window, Arsenal have made a bold statement of intent for the season ahead. While manager Mikel Arteta has been pleased with their recent dealings, he has urged the club to do even more as he looks to steer his side to their first major trophy since 2020. 'In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad,' said the 43-year-old Spaniard in a press conference on July 21 at the National Stadium, where they will meet AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on July 23 as part of the Singapore Festival of Football. 'There's still a long time in the window, and we are seeking, still. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, we focus on the players we have and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.' Arsenal arrived in Singapore on July 20 to kick off their pre-season tour of Asia. After the Milan match, they will conduct an open training session on July 25 at the National Stadium, where they will also meet English League Cup holders Newcastle United two days later. Having finished runners-up for the last three seasons, the Gunners are keen to shed their bridesmaid tag. Their transfer dealings have made Arteta 'super positive' about their new season, which kicks off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Aug 19. They have signed winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, as well as midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi from Brentford and Real Sociedad respectively, with the quartet costing close to €150 million. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Medallions with Singapore Botanic Gardens' iconic landmarks launched to mark milestone-filled year Life WP chairwoman Sylvia Lim to publish memoir with Epigram Books in 2027 Singapore Proof & Company Spirits closes Singapore distribution business Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is expected to be their fifth summer signing, with reports suggesting that both sides have agreed a deal worth an initial £13 million for the 21-year-old Spaniard, who will provide cover for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Salibas. Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season, is also said to be close to moving to the Emirates in a deal reportedly worth over €70 million. When asked if he had an update on Gyokeres, Arteta flashed a smile but was tight-lipped about the situation. 'I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that,' he said. Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo have also been heavily linked with the Gunners. While Arteta waits for newer arrivals to come through the door, he has been delighted by their recent signings and how the club have been supportive in his efforts to beef up the squad. 'I think Andrea (Berta, Arsenal's sporting director) and the team has done an excellent job as well trying to push everything forward,' he added. 'There's a long time to go in the window, but we have our hopes that we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that.' He likened making new signings to 'shaking the tree', while reflecting the club owners' ambition. 'Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well,' he said. 'We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to a different level and it's what we are seeking.' While he was thrilled to talk about their transfer dealings, Arteta was less forthcoming on matters pertaining to a former player. At the start of the month, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with the charges relating to three women and the offences reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. Partey left the club at the expiration of his contract in June, before news emerged of his charges. He was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing. This resulted in criticism at how the club had handled the situation. Speaking for the first time about the incident since the 32-year-old Ghanaian was charged, Arteta said: 'The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.' When pressed further on whether he felt if the club followed all the right processes, he replied: '100 per cent.'
AsiaOne
6 hours ago
- AsiaOne
HSA seizes 54 vape pods during raid of 16-year-old boy's home, etomidate found in some, Singapore News
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) seized 54 vape pods from a teen's home, and tests found that some of them contained etomidate. The 16-year-old was one of two that had allegedly vaped in a private-hire car while travelling along Bukit Timah Expressway on May 18. The driver of the vehicle then reported the incident to traffic police, who seized two e-vaporisers from one of the two teens, the authority said in a statement. Four days later, HSA officers raided the homes of the two teens, seizing 54 vape pods and three e-vaporisers from the same person caught with vapes in the car. The other teen had no e-vaporisers or related items in his home, HSA said, adding that both are assisting with investigations. More than 2,500 reports of vaping-related offences in first half of 2025: HSA There has been an increase in public feedback regarding vaping-related offences since 2024, the authority said. While over 3,000 reports were made in the whole of 2024, more than 2,500 reports have already been made in the first half of 2025, the authority revealed. "In addition, we noted a considerable increase in the number of social media postings showing others vaping in the public," HSA stated. "Through these public feedback and social media postings, HSA was able to use them as an additional source of surveillance data to intensify our enforcement activities." It will also be enhancing reporting channels beginning on Monday (July 21), with an expansion of the hotline service (66842036 or 66842037) to operate from 9am to 9pm throughout the week. A new online reporting platform will also allow more convenient access for the public to report illegal e-vaporiser activities. At a doorstop interview on vaping enforcement on Sunday (July 20), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung highlighted concerns the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have regarding the rise in etomidate-laced vaping. "As an interim measure, we are working with MHA to list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA)," he said. "Today, e-vaporisers are no longer just used for the delivery of nicotine," Ong said. "They are being used to deliver a range of substances and what we are seeing is the delivery of etomidate." He shared that etomidate, a controlled substance under the Poisons Act, is "damaging" when consumed via vapes. Ong explained that etomidate can cause permanent organ failure and hallucinations, and that the substance has been linked to fatal traffic accidents and other unnatural deaths. Among 100 vapes that were seized and taken for testing, a third of them were positive for etomidate, he added. Under MDA, users of etomidate will be "treated no differently" from those who consume hard drugs and narcotics such as cannabis or cocaine, Ong stated. This change will take a few weeks to come into effect, he said, urging those who use etomidate-laced vapes to stop as soon as possible. [[nid:720375]] khooyihang@
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Straits Times
No Claret Jug, but redemption for McIlroy at Portrush
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland - It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago. Five-times major champion McIlroy produced a few magical moments over four days for the thousands who descended on the Antrim coast hoping to roar him to British Open glory. In the end the Northern Irishman fell short, however, finishing tied seventh, seven strokes behind a supreme champion in Scottie Scheffler. After the gloom of missing the cut in 2019 when the Open returned to the land of his birth for the first time since 1951, though, it felt like a celebration for the 36-year-old who arrived at the course wearing his Masters green jacket. "I tried as best as I could to keep my emotions in check, especially walking up the last there and that reception," said McIlroy, who briefly threatened to make a charge on Sunday before a double-bogey on the 10th ended his hopes. "It's been an awesome week," he said. "I've gotten everything I wanted out of this week apart from a Claret Jug, and that's because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us." McIlroy remains the world number two and is hungry for more majors after completing his career Grand Slam by winning this year's Masters to end an 11-year major drought. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Priority for singles, higher quota for second-timer families to kick in from HDB's July BTO exercise Singapore Both Bukit Panjang LRT disruptions in July linked to newly installed power system: SMRT Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Asia Johor Bahru collision claims lives of e-hailing driver and Singapore passenger Sport Arsenal arrive in Singapore for pre-season matches with AC Milan and Newcastle Business Crypto exchange Tokenize to shut down Singapore operations Singapore More initiatives and support for migrant community announced at Racial Harmony Day event Singapore ComfortDelGro to discipline driver who flung relative's wheelchair out of taxi COURSE RECORD It will be a few years before golf's oldest major returns to Royal Portrush, though, where McIlroy shot a course record 61 as a teenager. "I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this, I get to do this in front of this crowd," he said. "Hopefully, I'll have one or two Opens left here, if the R&A decide to keep coming back, probably one while I'm still competitive and another one while I'm more gray than I already am. "I think Portrush has quickly turned into one of the best two or three venues that The Open goes to," McIlroy added. "Talk to every player this week, they won't say one bad thing about the golf course." McIlroy, firing again after a post-Augusta slump, concedes that world number one Scheffler has moved to a different level. "He is the bar that we're all trying to get to," he said. "In a historical context, you could argue that there's only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run like the one that Scottie's been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive." McIlroy said he would scale back slightly after the Open to focus on this year's Ryder Cup in New York. "I don't want to play too much leading up to that because I want to be fresh." he said. "I'll reflect on what's been already a good year and start to get myself ready for that run-up." REUTERS
