Rahm's Upset Reminder Amid U.S. Presidents Cup Domination
Jon Rahm’s recent playoff loss at the Spanish Open to world number 398 Angel Hidalgo serves as a vivid reminder of golf’s unpredictability. However, such upsets are rare in the Presidents Cup, where the United States secured a convincing 18½-11½ victory over the Internationals in Montreal, marking their tenth consecutive win in the tournament.
In Madrid, Rahm fought hard, birdieing the final two holes to push the match into extra time, only for Hidalgo to clinch the victory with consecutive birdies. The 26-year-old from Marbella, who once cheered Rahm from the sidelines, has now earned DP World Tour playing privileges for the next two years. Rahm graciously acknowledged Hidalgo’s triumph, emphasizing the significance of winning at home.
Meanwhile, the Presidents Cup faced its fair share of criticism, often dubbed “Ryder Cup-lite” for its less intense format. The international team, led by former Masters champion Mike Weir, displayed commendable spirit, particularly when they rebounded from an opening 5-0 loss to secure a clean sweep in Friday’s foursomes.
Tensions flared during the event, especially involving young South Korean player Tom Kim. After expressing dissatisfaction with a missed putt and claiming he and his partner had been insulted during a match, Kim later approached Patrick Cantlay to apologize for his comments, admitting a misunderstanding.
The Presidents Cup’s one-sided nature highlights the need for increased competitiveness, especially with the absence of top players like Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann due to the LIV tour’s impact. Despite the U.S. missing Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, their squad featured all players ranked within the top 25 globally.
Calls for reform suggest that the Presidents Cup could benefit from adopting a mixed-gender format, similar to the Solheim Cup. This change could enhance the international team’s depth, as the LPGA boasts significant talent from Asia and Australasia.
As the PGA Tour appears hesitant to alter its conservative approach, the next Presidents Cup in 2026 at Medinah may continue the trend of lopsided contests. Historically, Medinah hosted a memorable Ryder Cup comeback by Europe, and the upcoming event could similarly reignite competitive spirits.
With U.S. captain Keegan Bradley eager to build on this Presidents Cup victory, the spotlight now shifts to the upcoming Ryder Cup at Bethpage in 2025. Bradley witnessed firsthand the dominance of players like Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, and Collin Morikawa, who excelled at the Presidents Cup.
For Europe, Jon Rahm’s performance in Madrid not only maintains his eligibility for the Ryder Cup but also solidifies his status as a key player. Even in defeat, his experience could prove invaluable as Europe seeks to reclaim competitiveness in the face of an increasingly dominant U.S. team.