Jon Rahm prepares for WM Phoenix Open in star-studded fourball
Former US Open champion Jon Rahm enjoyed a practice round at TPC Scottsdale with Tom Kim, Olympic swimming icon Michael Phelps and NFL star J.J. Watt.
Jon Rahm is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares for the WM Phoenix Open, the first full-field designated event of 2023 which has 22 of the top 25 players in the world competing.
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay. You name it and they're playing. Rahm is arguably the best player in the world right now, but McIlroy provided his answer to this statement by winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
Scottie Scheffler won his first PGA Tour title at this event 12 months ago after beating Cantlay in a playoff. This started a warpath for Scheffler who won four times in 2022 including his maiden major title at The Masters.
McIlroy's sole appearance in Phoenix came in 2021 when he finished 13th. Having beaten Patrick Reed in a titanic clash in the desert last week, he will be one of the favourites to lift his 24th Tour trophy.
Match #1 - JJ 0 Rahmbo 1
I only had to give him 36 shots from the tips at TPC Scottsdale and he was not happy once he saw he would’ve won stroke play.
One of the best rounds I have seen him play, love seeing his progress. Ready for Match #2 but only giving him 34 shots. Vamos! pic.twitter.com/EGEPFqakKU— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmpga) February 4, 2023
The Spaniard has already won the Sentry Tournament of Champions and The American Express this season, so we are in for an exciting week at one of the rowdiest and most turbulent events of the schedule.
Rahm posted a picture of who he shared a round with at the Stadium Course in Arizona. Alongside him was PGA Tour star Tom Kim, Olympic swimming icon Michael Phelps and NFL legend J. J Watt.
Rahm appeared to have a match with Watt who he gave 36 shots off the back tees. The former US Open champion posted a picture of the scorecard too.
As you can see, there is a stage in the background on the famous 16th hole. The venue hosted Concert in the Coliseum on Saturday which featured Maroon 5 and Walker Hayes.
This would've provided a taster for fans for what is to come this week. The Super Bowl is taking place a half-hour drive away at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, so the atmosphere could be more raucous than usual.
