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Jon Rahm insists he has nothing to prove heading into the final round of the PGA Championship, charging up a bunch leaderboards to boost his major hopes at Aronimink Golf Club.
The former world No. 1 followed rounds of 69 and 70 on the first two days with a third-round 67 to grab a share of the clubhouse lead during the third round, boosting hopes of completing the third leg of a career Grand Slam.
After Alex Smalley’s late burst, Rahm found himself two shots off the lead but the best player to have already won a major.
Rahm has already won twice and finished runner-up twice at LIV golf events this season, although his game has been called into question after failing to compete during Rory McIlroy’s title defense at The Masters last month.
Victory would see him become the first Spanish winner of the PGA Championship and the first active LIV golfer to win a major since Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open, but Rahm is keen to focus on his own game as he chases a third major win.
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Rahm explains deal reached with DP World Tour to return from LIV Golf
Rahm asks if he has anything to prove told Sky Sports: “Not really, no. I’ve played really good golf. I’m happy to be in the hunt again for another year (finished tied-eighth last year).
“All I can do is control what I can control, go play my golf and hope that’s enough.”
He later told reporters: “Honestly, in a week like this, I’m thinking more about myself. I’m not going to take anything beyond what I can control when I compete tomorrow (Sunday).
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Rahm apologized after hitting a volunteer with a divot following an angry reaction to his approach on the seventh hole during the first round.
“But what it will mean for Spain in the Grand Slam tally and for us being the last leg of the Grand Slam, there are a lot of things that will mean a lot, but a lot of it is out of my control.
“Hopefully I can do what I’ve done so far this week, especially today, and I’ll get a chance to answer that (question) tomorrow.”
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Rahm bogeyed for eagle on the second hole during the first round of the PGA Championship, moving him back to even par for the week.
Rahm climbed onto the leaderboard with a front-nine 32 and birdied Nos. 14 and 16 to cancel out a bogey at the 11th, only to miss the outright advantage with a three-putt bogey at the end.
“It was a fantastic round of golf,” added Rahm, who shared the lead in last year’s final round before finishing tied-eighth. “It’s very difficult to get bogged down here and give yourself a chance, in that sense it’s good enough.
“Driven it really well – I think that’s where it all starts. I hit more fairways today than the first two days combined, at least it felt like it! With good iron play, I gave myself a lot of chances,
“The only thing I’ll kick myself for today is the two short putts on 13 and 18. There was a misread and I just hit it too hard on 18, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m in a good position for tomorrow.”
Jon Rahm previously won the 2021 US Open and the 2023 Masters
Chaotic major Sunday ahead?
Gusty winds and tucked pins have helped create one of the most crowded leaderboards in history, with Rahm’s Ryder Cup teammate Ludwig Aberg at the same score and among more than 20 players still in contention.
“My PGA Tour career isn’t necessarily very long at this point, but I’ve never seen anything like it,” Åberg said. “It’s very tight. I think there are a lot of good players within striking distance tomorrow (Sunday) and it’s great for the visitors.
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Aronimink’s difficult conditions made it a battle for some players at the PGA Championship.
“I think it’s great to see a lot of guys have a chance to win a tournament, but it doesn’t necessarily change the way you play on this golf course.
“I think the way it’s set up with a lot of tough golf holes, a lot of strong par-threes and tough shots between these par-fours, there’s not a lot you can do differently. So I think we’re looking at a tough leaderboard, but that makes it exciting.”
Aaron Rao also headed into the final day at four under, having never before finished inside the top-10 in a major final round, putting him in contention to become the first English winner of the PGA Championship since 1919.
“It’s amazing to be in this position,” Rai told reporters. “There’s a lot of good golf here. I also know there’s a long way to go. A lot can and will change tomorrow. It’s amazing to be here but trying not to get too ahead of myself.”
Who will win the PGA Championship? Watch the final round live on Sky Sports Golf from 4pm on Sunday. Get Sky Sports or Flow without any contract.
