Irish win gives Jon Rahm Open boost

Jon Rahm says his victory in the Irish Open has provided a confidence boost ahead of his bid for a maiden major at The Open Championship.

The Spaniard won his second Irish Open title in three years thanks to a superb eight-under par final round of 62 to finish on -16, two shots clear of closest rivals Andy Sullivan and Bernd Wiesberger.

The 24-year-old has managed to finish in at least the top four in the other three majors but the Open hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Rahm so far, with his best result a tie for 44th and he missed the cut last year.

However, Rahm is convinced he can mount a serious challenge at Royal Portrush later this month after claiming the trophy at Lahinch.

“I’m going into The Open Championship with a lot of confidence,” said Rahm, who is 15.00 to win The Open Championship 2019 outright.

“It’s the only major I haven’t had a good performance at and I want to. It’s a special one. “I’m excited because it’s going to be Northern Ireland, and I’m going to go to Portrush with a lot of good memories and good vibes. I’m going to have huge support from the crowd and hopefully I can keep my good golf going into Ireland.

“I can’t wait to go to Portrush and visit the Harbour Bistro like I did every single night like I was there, I’m sure I’ll see a lot of people again and hopefully enjoy the week and play the best Open I’ve played so far.”

Rory McIlroy is the 9.00 joint favourite to win The Open Championship 2019 alongside America’s Brooks Koepka.