Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka all arrive at Valhalla having won their last event. Jon Rahm without a world win since his Masters success in 2023. Download and listen to the special PGA Championship preview edition of the Sky Sports Golf podcast
6:06, United Kingdom, Tuesday 14 May 2024
Jon Rahm was the world No. 1 and the pre-tournament favorite going into last year’s PGA Championship, but has he been going to Valhalla under the radar since joining LIV Golf?
The Spaniard won the US Open at Torrey Pines in 2022 and followed that up with a four-shot victory at Augusta National last April, his fourth victory in three months on the PGA Tour at the time, but failed to return to the winner’s circle . since that Masters success.
He lost the world No 1 ranking to Scottie Scheffler at the PGA Championship 12 months ago as the American finished tied for second to Ryder Cup teammate Brooks Koepka, with Scheffler, Koepka and Rory McIlroy – winners in their last two starts of the PGA Tour – the three flashiest to impress this week.
Highlights from the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill that saw Brooks Koepka lift the trophy for the third time.
Rahm finished his DP World Tour campaign last year with three straight top-9 finishes and has been consistent in the LIV Golf League in 2024, finishing no worse than 14th – including four top fives – in his first seven starts for the Legion XIII.
A poor title defense at The Masters saw Rahm finish tied for 45th and 20 strokes behind Scheffler, although the Sky Sports Golf podcast team believe he could be a player to watch out for this week in Kentucky .
“One name that just doesn’t come up at the moment is Jon Rahm,” Zane Scotland said on the Sky Sports Golf podcast. “I know he’s not in great form, but that’s Ram and he’s a big name.
“This is a guy who seems to have to work harder to be in the conversation than anyone else and he’s going to hate that! Everyone talks about Scottie Scheffler being the best player in the world and Rory McIlroy is turning it on now, but He’s a guy who might also feel like he’s sitting in that bracket.
Scottie Scheffler and caddy Ted Scott had a moment to forget seconds after winning the RBC Heritage on the PGA Tour as Scott made an impressive chest shot.
“He sees himself as the best week in, week out, no matter where he is in the rankings. Valhalla is a big boys golf course and he has that determination where you know things don’t always have to go his way. finish the.
“A big player who’s playing well and hasn’t won is usually a good bet because he’s hungry for it, so that’s where I’d go with Rahm. As long as he’s not losing his game, he’s dangerous.”
What else is available this week?
Scotland and Keith Alexander join Sarah Stirk for this week’s episode, where they reflect on McIlroy’s stunning victory at the Wells Fargo Championship and whether the stars could align to end his long drought in Valhalla.
They also discuss how winning the Zurich Classic in New Orleans alongside good friend Shane Lowry could have propelled him to a big second half of the season, as well as the role he plays on the PGA Tour completing their Framework Agreement with Public of Saudi Arabia Investment fund.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Kit Alexander says Rory McIlroy’s performance at the Wells Fargo Championship was as good as he’s played in a few years.
There’s a discussion of how Scheffler becoming a father could hamper his preparation for the PGA Championship, as well as a look at some of the outside names who could make a run for a major win.
We also have an exclusive interview with PGA professional Michael Block, who returns to the event after bursting into the limelight with a hole-in-one alongside McIlroy on his way to an impressive 15th finish.
PGA club professional Michael Block added another chapter to his incredible 2023 PGA Championship story by hitting an ace slam dunk on the third 15th hole during the final round at Oak Hill.
Download and listen to the latest Sky Sports Golf podcast and don’t forget to subscribe via Spotify, Speaker the Apple Podcasts! If you would like to contact the podcast then you can email golf@skysports.com.
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