Do you think he's regretting this decision now? Jon Rahm entered yesterday's final round at TPC Sawgrass as leader, with a fantastic chance to win the biggest event of his professional career thus far.
The Spaniard is one of the most decorated amateur golfers of all time, becoming the only player to ever win Ben Hogan Award on more than one occasion during his time in the college game at Arizona State. Upon moving to the pro ranks in 2016, many expected him to become one of the top players in the sport.
Results thus far have been largely positive. Still only 24-years old, Rahm already has six tournament victories to his name, including the Irish Open in 2017. He also reached as high as number two in the world rankings, and came close in a couple of the majors in 2018.
Despite this, his mentality has been questioned. Rahm suffers badly when it comes to containing his temper, and things can quickly unravel when he makes a mistake on the course.
We saw that once again on Sunday. He was on the 11th at Sawgrass, still in the thick of tournament contention. When he found himself in the bunker, his caddy advised him to lay the ball up. Instead Rahm opted to go for the green, much to the annoyance of bagman Adam Hayes.
Rahm would find the water, costing him a valuable shot in the race for golf's 'unofficial fifth major'. He was not happy. In typical style, he then proceeded to capitulate over the final few holes, registering another bogey and a double-bogey and ultimately finishing in 12th place.
Rory McIlroy would go on to win the tournament on 16-, with the Spaniard finishing on 11- after shooting a 76 on the final day.
While Rahm is as talented as any player on the tour, his mentality must improve if he is to fulfil his potential. That was fully on display yesterday, and we bet he wishes he could have that shot back right now.
