Page 35 - Golf Champion Magazine - April 2023

past where he has inspired others, and has been equally future, including the upcoming Majors.
inspired and motivated by them as well. He said “I am an Olde School soul in the sense that I am
“We are all a product of our environment.” This set of all feel, and go with what I feel at the moment and I have
circumstances has created a person with a great appreciation a swing and game built for the modern game to maximize
for his gift of talent, the opportunity and support he has, distance and the new technology.” A perfect balance.
and built the strength of character it takes to be a great Jon Rahm reminds us all so much of Seve Ballesteros. He
champion in sport, or life in general. I believe Jon Rahm mirrors Seve’s spirit, love of the game, passion for life,
has what it takes inside to accomplish great things in golf family, and excellence, yet with more power and control.
and in his lifetime, whatever his future holds. I believe his game is built for winning golf tournaments,
“If You think you can, you can. You must believe in yourself. especially Majors. I believe he will win the Masters and the
If you do, others will believe in you, and you can accomplish Open this year. I am going to find a sports book that will
great things”. These were a few of his comments that give me 50-1 odds on that for $100 bucks!
told the story of his drive to overcome his own personal It just seems to me that the ducks are in a row, the stars are
challenges and follow his heart and dream to become a aligned, and everything is adding up. I even feel that his
Professional Golfer. I was moved by his concern for people un-Rahm like performance at the Match play championship
with disabilities and his general caring nature for others. will work in his favor and light that fire that drives him to
It was also interesting, before, during, and after our talk, play his best.
how he made sure everyone who was with him, was You’ve seen the other great ones like Jack Nicklaus, Arnie,
comfortable, well taken care of, and not inconvenienced by Tiger, Hogan, Watson and others from the age of 25 to 35
his other obligations, including our discussion. He is always progress. They developed their game, build confidence
very considerate, and it is apparent how important his through solid play and victories, had a good handle on
wife Kelley and his family are to him. You sometimes see home, family, and life in general, and just started winning.
things behind the scenes that tell you a lot about a person. The pump is primed. For me he is becoming a modern
Sometimes not so good. In this case, during this encounter day Arnie, charging up the fairway, lurking, with Arnie’s
and other occasions, I see a humble individual with the Army cheering him on, ready to get hot and take the lead…
heart, soul and character of a champion. Not to mention a Although there will never be another Arnold Palmer, Rahm
player with power, skill and great total golf game. I believe has some of the same charisma and appeal. How about
Jon Rahm will fulfill his dream of being one of the world’s Rahmbo’s Rangers?... No? Maybe not. … Well, Keep your
best all-time players, and have many championships in his eye on Jon any way. At the very least, root for him. He is

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