Jon Rahm’s Defeat and US Dominance: A Tale of Two Golf Events

Jon Rahm’s surprising playoff defeat at the Spanish Open to world number 398 Angel Hidalgo highlights golf’s potential for upsets, a stark contrast to the predictability seen at the Presidents Cup. While Rahm fought hard to reach extra holes by birdieing the last two, Hidalgo clinched victory with two consecutive birdies in sudden death. This win marks a significant achievement for the 26-year-old from Marbella, who was cheering for Jon Rahm from the stands just a few years ago.

Rahm praised Hidalgo’s win, acknowledging the emotional significance of the moment. In Montreal, the United States extended their dominance over the Internationals with a convincing 18½-11½ victory, marking their tenth consecutive win in the competition. Critics often label the Presidents Cup as a “Ryder Cup-lite” due to its less intense format and the mix of players from diverse backgrounds can feel forced.

However, Mike Weir’s team displayed commendable spirit recovering from a poor start to put up a fight. Despite the competitive spirit, Tom Kim a young Korean player stirred controversy with his reactions during matches, ultimately apologizing to his opponents for any misunderstandings. The Presidents Cup needing some edge to elevate its appeal, currently feels too one-sided.

The absence of key players from the LIV tour has further tilted the balance in favor of the Americans, who boast depth and strength in their roster. Suggestions for improvement include transforming the Presidents Cup into a mixed event which could enhance competition by utilizing the talent present on the LPGA. However, the PGA Tour is unlikely to make such significant changes, preferring to maintain its traditional structure.

Looking ahead, US captain Keegan Bradley will prepare for the next competition in 2026 aiming to solidify their position against a strong European team.