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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Jon Rahm has played in the Waste Management Phoenix Open five times. Little did he know that there’s actually grass left of the bunker on 18 at TPC Scottsdale.
“Usually there’s stands and people,” he said. “So, the look is different; the feel is the same.”
Indeed, there is no way to replicate the madness of hundreds of thousands of spectators at the greatest party on grass. Count Rahm among the players who are happy that this year’s party hasn’t been canceled, but rather significantly downsized. The PGA Tour has had a smattering of fans at tournaments in Texas, Mississippi and Hawaii, but none of the California events the previous two weeks or the upcoming two events have permitted spectators.
“I’m glad we can have at least 5,000 a day. Makes a big difference out there,” Rahm said. “After having nobody for so long on the golf course, 5,000 feels like a lot. I’m going to tell you that right now. You can feel their presence. They’re making themselves felt. They’re a little bit more active. They want to be part of it because they’ve missed it, as well, not being able to be a part of anything for so long.”
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Rahm, an Arizona State alumnus, experienced his coming out party here, finishing T-5 as an amateur in 2015. He’s finished 16th or better in all five of his starts in the event and despite still adjusting to his off-season decision to change to Callaway clubs, he’s recorded three straight seventh-place finishes and has been seventh or better in seven of his past nine events.
“When you change clubs, manufacturers, like that, you’ve got to get used to the tendencies of each one to find the perfect one,” he explained. “Still trying to get there, but really happy with where I’m at.”
Ranked No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Rahm is arguably the current holder of the dubious distinction of being the best player never to win a major. Still just 26 years old, Rahm should be a force for years to come, but his Masters preparation and potentially his participation this April could be impacted by the impending birth of he and wife Kelly’s first child.
“I think it’s second week of March is going to be week 36, and as my mom has told me, because she’s been a midwife many times, starting that week it can come any day,” he said. “No matter where I am and what I’m doing, if the phone rings I’m flying back, and I’m going back home to be there for the birth of my son. Before anybody asks, yes, if I’m at Augusta and I’m playing well and she starts (going into labor), I’m flying back. I would never miss the birth of my firstborn in a million years, or any born for that matter.
“Yeah, that last month I’m going to be really focused on what’s going on. I don’t know how we’re going to do it at Augusta because we can’t have our phones in. I might need to ask for an exception in that sense.”
For the time being, Rahm would like nothing more than to clutch the winner’s trophy on Sunday of the tournament that has become his personal fifth major.
“It’s a home event. Get to sleep in my own bed, so it’s nice,” he said. “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.”
Listen to Adam Schupak preview the Phoenix Open with Jody Oehler of Fox Sports 910 AM in Phoenix (scroll to 24:48 mark):