Max Homa likened Jon Rahm to Marvel super villain Thanos after the Spaniard returned to World No.1 following his victory at the Genesis Invitational, his fifth win in his last nine worldwide starts.
The Spaniard started the final round with a three-stroke lead over Homa, but trailed the American with six holes to play at Riviera Country Club.
Then Rahm’s ‘Thanos’ persona kicked in, moving ahead with two brilliant birdies on both par-threes on the back nine – holing from 45 feet at the 14th before a tap-in on 16 after nearly making a hole-in-one.
The three-time DP World Tour Championship winner made par over the closing two holes enough to complete a two-under 69 and a two-shot win over Homa.
“Yes, he’s probably Thanos,” joked Homa when asked if Rahm was inevitable.
“He’s a tremendous golfer, he has zero weaknesses. He’s been this dude for a long time. I think he’s got the highest win percentage in the last X amount of years, he’s got the highest top-10s by a mile. The guy’s incredible. I think Rory, Jon and Scottie are kind of in a league of their own at times and it’s our job to go catch them.”
Rahm’s latest victory is the 10th of his PGA Tour career, breaking the record of his hero and compatriot Seve Ballesteros.
“I know he [Seve Ballesteros] didn’t play full-time PGA Tour and I know five of those were majors, but still to reach that milestone of double-digit wins is pretty incredible,” said Rahm.
“To do it at a golf course with this legacy, this history and hosted by the man himself, Tiger Woods, it’s a true honour. I can’t really explain it.”
