Jon Rahm named 2021 PGA of America Player of the Year ahead of Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm claims US Open

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Jon Rahm has yet another award to add to his already glowing golf resume, after being named PGA of America Player of the Year for 2021 following his agonising finish at the FedEx Cup.

In a year that saw Rahm reach the top of the Official World Golf Rankings, he picked up his first ever major title by winning the US Open by one shot in June, whilst securing two second places, two thirds and an impressive 15 top-10s, the most on the PGA Tour this campaign.

The award is decided by an accumulation of a number of different factors, including scoring averages, amount of tournaments won and prize money standings.

Whilst the Spaniard has only won one event, – albeit a major title – his scintillating season proved more than enough to sweep the prize ahead of the likes Bryson DeChambeau, and last week’s Tour Championship rival and eventual winner Patrick Cantlay.

Rahm came remarkably close to topping his 2021 campaign off in style by claiming the final event of the year at East Lake, and the FedEx Cup title however eventual victor Cantlay saw off the world No 1 on the final hole of the season by one shot last Sunday.

JUST IN: Tyrrell Hatton makes ‘awkward’ confession as Ryder Cup place not confirmed ahead of BMW

Despite not taking home the title, the 2021 US Open champion did in fact post the best 72-hole score in Atlanta on the final week of the PGA Tour season alongside Kevin Na, having shot 14-under across all four rounds.

However, the staggered stroke system adopted by the Tour Championship in conjunction with the players’ FedEx Cup standings meant Rahm began the event four shots behind eventual winner Cantlay, who used his headstart to his advantage to secure his fourth win of the season.

Rahm and the FedEx Cup champion will once again come up against each other, but this time not on the course, after both being shortlisted for the PGA Tour Player of the Year award alongside DeChambeau, Harris English and Collin Morikawa.

DON’T MISS
Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia in ‘pole position’ for European Ryder Cup spots
Team Europe confirm first five Ryder Cup picks with Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm named
Emily Pedersen ready to ‘tease’ Team US caddie and boyfriend following Solheim Cup victory

The two prestigious prizes are determined in two different ways, with the PGA of America title being awarded through statistics and finishes, whilst the PGA Tour player is voted on by their Tour peers.

History suggests that the Spaniard could be in for a second Player of the Year title, after the man taking the PGA of America award also came away with the PGA Tour title for 27 straight years.

Despite this, the past two years have looked to buck that trend as both have provided different winners. Brooks Koepka (PGA of America) and Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour) ended the 27-year run in 2019, followed by Justin Thomas (PGA of America) and Dustin Johnson (PGA Tour) in 2020.

Follow our new Daily Express Sport Instagram page here

Source: Read Full Article