Rahm: Covid setback at Memorial sparked US Open triumph

Jon Rahm has recalled how his dramatic withdrawal from The Memorial last year sparked a run to US Open champion, and hopes to challenge Tiger Woods' record at Muirfield once again.

The 27-year-old, who won the Memorial Tournament in 2020, elevating him to world No 1 for the first time in his career, had to withdraw with Covid in 2021 while holding a six-stroke lead after 54 holes.

Rahm was not deterred, despite such a setback, and just two weeks later went on to win the US Open and, on his return to Muirfield Village Golf Club this year, has admitted the golf he had been playing at the Memorial Tournament just made him "comfortable and confident" heading into Torrey Pines.

"I mean, it wasn't really a low, though. Yes, I walked off the course, I was told I couldn't play, and I was mad for about ten minutes," said Rahm.

"I allowed myself to be upset. But instantly my switch flipped and I called my wife and I made sure that she was okay and my son was okay.

"Once I knew they were okay, I was in my little trailer, that little Covid hut we had, and me and my caddie were laughing. We ordered milkshakes and we were laughing at the funny part of everything.

"I mean, the fact that that happened; that I had a six-shot lead and it's gone, I can't even play, right. I mean, it's just - the irony of it all kind of made us laugh.

"But at that moment, I chose to just remember how good I had played. I had played really good golf all year last season but it was the first time everything was clicking, and that was right before the thick of the season.

"So I felt nothing but comfortable and confident for the summer. And really, I didn't let it slow me down and I played great golf the rest of the summer up to The Ryder Cup.

"I chose to just