Jon Rahm has become a household name in the world of professional golf, renowned for his fiery passion, exceptional talent, and impressive list of victories. However, the foundations of this success were firmly laid during his remarkable collegiate career at Arizona State University (ASU). Even years before his first PGA Tour win, Rahm was already carving out a legacy as one of the most dominant college golfers of all time. This article delves into the highlights of Jon Rahm’s time as a Sun Devil, showcasing the accolades, records, and sheer brilliance that foreshadowed his ascent to the top of the golfing world.
Rahm’s senior season (2015-16) was nothing short of spectacular. It served as a fitting culmination of his ASU journey, demonstrating his consistent excellence and unwavering commitment to the sport. He not only earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications in May 2016, but also swept up prestigious awards, solidifying his place in college golf history.
One of the highest honors Rahm received was the Jack Nicklaus National Player of the Year Award in 2016. This accolade recognizes the top player in men’s college golf, and for Rahm to be selected speaks volumes about his dominance on the course. Adding to his impressive collection, Rahm also secured PING First-Team All-American honors for the second consecutive season. This achievement placed him among an elite group of only seven players in ASU program history to accomplish this feat twice in their careers, further highlighting his consistent high-level performance.
Perhaps most remarkably, Jon Rahm became the first-ever two-time recipient of the Ben Hogan Award since its inception in 1990. Winning this prestigious award in both 2015 and 2016 cemented his status as the best college golfer of his era, recognized for his outstanding amateur record and exceptional talent.
On the course, Rahm’s senior year was marked by consistent low scores and victories. He captured the 2016 Pac-12 individual title with an impressive 12-under 272, marking his tenth collegiate win overall and his third of that season alone. His scoring average for the 2015-16 campaign was an astonishing 69.38, the second-best in all of college golf, demonstrating his ability to consistently perform at an elite level.
Rahm’s dominance wasn’t limited to collegiate competition. He finished his ASU career ranked as the World Amateur No. 1 by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). This global recognition underscored his talent and potential on an international stage. Throughout his senior season, Rahm achieved an incredible feat: 13 top-10 finishes in 13 events. He became only the second Sun Devil golfer, and the first since 1997, to achieve a top-10 finish in every single tournament in a season, showcasing his remarkable consistency and competitiveness.
Further cementing his legacy at ASU, Rahm earned his third consecutive individual title at the ASU Karsten hosted Thunderbird Invitational in April 2016. His final round of 68 secured his place as the tournament’s first-ever three-time winner, showcasing his affinity for his home course and his ability to perform under pressure. Earlier in the season, he had also clinched victory at the Tavistock Invitational in October 2015, demonstrating his ability to win on different courses and in varied conditions.
Jon Rahm’s Stellar 2015-16 Season: Round-by-Round
To truly appreciate the consistency of Rahm’s senior year, examining his round-by-round scores provides compelling evidence of his excellence:
- OLYMPIA FIELDS: 69-74-68=211/+1/T-9
- JACKRABBIT: 75-69-70=214/-2/10
- ALISTER MACKENZIE: 68-63-66=197/-16/T-2
- TAVISTOCK INVITATIONAL: 71-70-69=210/-6/1
- AMER ARI: 71-68-70=209/-7/T-8
- PRESTIGE AT PGA WEST: 70-66-69=205/-8/T-3
- SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS: 69-69-78=216/E/T-5
- LAMKIN GRIPS SD: 72-72-70=214/-2/T-5
- ASU THUNDERBIRD: 66-64-68=198/-15/1
- WESTERN INTERCOL.: 72-67-70=209/-1/T8
- PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIPS: 70-66-68-68=272/-12/1
- NCAA REGIONALS: 69-71-72=212/-4/1
- NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS: 71-68-69-71=279/-1/T3
These scores demonstrate not only his ability to go low but also his remarkable consistency across different tournaments and rounds. He was rarely far from contention, a hallmark of his competitive spirit and golfing prowess.
Career Accolades: A Glimpse of Greatness to Come
Even before his senior year, Jon Rahm had already amassed a remarkable collection of accolades, signaling his future stardom in the world of golf. These early achievements highlight his trajectory towards becoming the player he is today.
In 2015, Rahm received the Ben Hogan Award for the first time, foreshadowing his unprecedented second win. He was also awarded the McCormack Medal in 2015, recognizing him as the top-ranked amateur golfer in the world. His victory at the 2015 NCAA San Diego Regional further demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure in crucial events.
Notably, Rahm tied for fifth at the 2015 Waste Management Open, competing against seasoned PGA Tour professionals as an amateur. This impressive finish offered an early glimpse of his potential to compete at the highest level. Going further back, in 2014, Rahm won the World Amateur Championship, breaking a record previously held by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, a monumental achievement at such a young age. He also secured back-to-back victories at the Spanish Amateur Championship in 2014 and 2015, showcasing his international dominance.
Dominance in Collegiate Golf Statistics
Jon Rahm’s impact on college golf is further underscored by his statistical achievements. His career stroke average at ASU was an exceptional 70.48, accumulated over 40 collegiate events and numerous rounds in the 60s. He consistently posted par or better scores, highlighting his remarkable consistency and skill.
Rahm consistently ranked among the best in the nation in scoring average. In 2014-15, his average of 69.15 was the second-best in college golf, placing him in the company of other future stars. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in multiple years and was recognized as a Freshman of the Year, despite arguments he deserved National Freshman of the Year.
Collegiate Tournament Wins: Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Jon Rahm’s 11 collegiate tournament wins are a testament to his winning mentality and exceptional talent. This impressive tally places him second in ASU Men’s Golf history for most tournament wins, only behind the legendary Phil Mickelson. His victories spanned across all four years at ASU, demonstrating sustained excellence throughout his college career.
Jon Rahm’s Collegiate Tournament Victories (11):
- 2016 NCAA Albuquerque Regional
- 2016 Pac-12 Championships
- 2016 ASU Thunderbird Invitational
- 2015 Tavistock Invitational
- 2015 NCAA San Diego Regional
- 2015 ASU Thunderbird Invitational
- 2015 Duck Invitational
- 2014 Bill Cullum Invitational
- 2014 ASU Thunderbird Invitational
- 2013 San Diego Classic
- 2012 Bill Cullum Invitational
Rahm’s record-breaking 21-under 192 score at the 2014 ASU Thunderbird Invitational set a new school 54-hole scoring record and Thunderbird Invitational record, further highlighting his exceptional talent and ability to dominate on the course.
Conclusion: From Sun Devil to Golfing Star
Jon Rahm’s collegiate career at Arizona State University was nothing short of extraordinary. His numerous awards, consistent high finishes, and impressive statistics paint a picture of a golfer destined for greatness. His time as a Sun Devil was not just a stepping stone but a powerful launchpad for his professional career. The dedication, skill, and competitive fire he displayed in college were clear indicators of the major champion he would become. Jon Rahm’s legacy at ASU is firmly cemented, and his journey from a talented college player to a global golf superstar is an inspiring story for aspiring golfers and sports fans alike.
