Jon Rahm, the Spanish golf star, is in the running to win the PGA Championship after a stellar third round at Aronimink. Rahm's performance is particularly notable given his association with LIV Golf, a rival tour to the traditional PGA Tour. His ability to handle pressure is evident, as he shot a three-under 67 on Saturday, placing him just two shots behind leader Alex Smalley.
Rahm's comments about the greens at Aronimink offer an interesting insight into the course's challenges. He describes them as 'hard' and 'tricky', with a unique characteristic that sets them apart from other major championship courses. Rahm explains that being in the middle of the green doesn't necessarily provide an advantage, as the greens are sloped, making two-putts difficult, especially with the pin locations.
This is a significant departure from the typical strategy of aiming for the middle of the green. Rahm's observation highlights the importance of precise shot placement and the need to consider the slope and elevation changes on the greens. He acknowledges that his putting statistics improved over the three days, but attributes this to better shot selection rather than a dramatic improvement in his putting skills.
The course setup at Aronimink has been a topic of discussion, with many players finding it challenging. The windy conditions and tricky hole locations have added to the drama. Rahm commends the PGA of America for their setup, noting that they've chosen hard pin locations that challenge players to keep their shots close together. This setup has resulted in a tightly bunched leaderboard, promising an exciting final round on Sunday.
Rahm's performance and comments showcase his expertise and adaptability in a demanding golf environment. His ability to navigate the course's unique challenges and remain competitive is a testament to his skill and experience. As the tournament progresses, Rahm's presence at the top of the leaderboard adds to the excitement, leaving spectators eager to see how he handles the final day's challenges.