Rahm looking ahead to Irish defence

Spanish ace Jon Rahm is looking forward to defending his Irish Open title at Ballyliffin Golf Club in early July.

Rahm’s rise to the top of the golfing world has been a mercurial one and after a 12 months which he could only dream off he will go into the tournament as the world number three.

The 23-year-old is bidding to become the first man since Colin Montgomerie in 1997 to win back-to-back Irish Opens following his win at Port Stewart last year.

With that target in mind, Rahm says he is looking forward to the upcoming challenge.

He said: “It was extremely special last year.

“Not only was it my first European Tour victory, it was a Rolex Series event and I am a Rolex ambassador so it meant a lot in many ways.

“But it was also the first time I was leading or tied for the lead going into the final round and to perform the way I did was amazing, making a great par save on two and then holing out on four, on top of the display of golf I had after that.

“It’s really easy to get comfortable and hold on to the score but I just kept making birdies and hitting good shots and I experienced a part of myself which I didn’t know I had, so it was a lot of fun.”