Jon Rahm finishes runner-up in Mexico Open title defense
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PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO - APRIL 30: Jon Rahm of Spain walks off the green after completing the final round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta on April 30, 2023 in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Three off Tony Finau’s winning pace after weekend 61-67 at Vidanta Vallarta
In the end, Jon Rahm’s first bogey in 37 holes was the final dagger as he was hoping to win back-to-back at the Mexico Open at Vidanta.
Rahm, who has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA TOUR, shot a 4-under 67 on Sunday at Vidanta Vallarta and ended up three shots back of Tony Finau’s winning total. Rahm said he needed another low one Sunday – after shooting a course-record 61 in the third round – and he just couldn’t get on a final-round run.
Still, Rahm’s runner-up is his seventh top-three finish this season in 11 events, another strong four-round effort in a year that’s already been chalk-full of them.
“It was a day where I didn't do much wrong, but I didn't do much right either,” Rahm said. “It is what it is. Still proud to come back after the year that has been and put on a show and have a good defense of the title.”
Already a four-time winner on TOUR this year, Rahm birdied Nos. 6 and 7 in the final round before adding two more birdies on Nos. 13 and 15. But a poor tee shot on the par-3 17th followed by a missed 9-footer for par spelled the end of his hopeful title defense.
Jon Rahm uses nice tee shot to set up birdie at Mexico Open
“Even when I made the birdie on 15, I knew if I could somehow play 16, 17 well, there was a chance there,” Rahm said. “The first five holes with the tee shots I hit and where I was – I should have given myself at least a couple putts inside 12 feet for birdie. I just never really did. Then there were a couple holes when I had the chance again, like 8 I didn't take advantage of it. I think I did what I needed to do off the tee and I just didn't capitalize on a couple of those opportunities.
“It’s not terrible, it’s still a 67, it’s 4 under par. But I wish it could have been better.”
Finau, who finished tied for second to Rahm in Mexico a year ago, shot a 5-under 66 on Sunday to win for the sixth time on TOUR.
Despite not lifting the trophy Sunday, Rahm will remain No. 1 in the FedExCup standings. And after a whirlwind April that included his second major triumph – a win at the Masters – it’s time for a rest.
“Not too much, just mind, body and soul just need it. It's been a lot of golf. And again, I haven't had time to really sit back and rest after the Masters,” Rahm said. “I'm looking forward to doing that.”